INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS
Psychiatric disorders are very common, especially among ambulance patients.
Currently, psychiatric disorders are believed to be due to chemical imbalances in the brain, caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
In the past, psychiatric disorders were thought to be caused by demonic possession, poor upbringing or a personal weakness or moral failing.
Psychiatric patients are not to blame for their illness anymore than heart attack victims are (you could argue that a heart attack is “someone’s own fault” due to poor diet and lack of exercise, but if you feel that way, you probably shouldn’t be a health care provider).
Psychiatric disorders can cause bizarre, upsetting or dramatic behavior, keep in mind that the patient is suffering from an illness.
Psychiatric patients are somewhat more likely than the general population to suffer from physical/nonpsych illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
If you do not feel safe with a patient, get police help. Do not wait until the patient becomes violent. If necessary, exit the scene until the police arrive.
Definitions
Psychiatrist: An MD who treats psych disorders with
medication.
Psychologist: Not an MD, treats patients with talk, looks at causes of disorders, maladaptive thought patterns, behavior modification....ect.
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Introduction (you are here)
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety Disorders
Personality Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder
Other Disorders
Suicide
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