Challenges of managing pediatric mental health crises in the emergency department

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2015 Jan;24(1):21-40. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.003. Epub 2014 Oct 3.

Abstract

Children with mental health problems are increasingly being evaluated and treated in pediatric clinical settings. This article focuses on the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of the 2 most common pediatric mental health emergencies, suicidal and homicidal/aggressive patients, as well as the equally challenging population of children with autism or other developmental disabilities.

Keywords: Autism; Developmental disorders; Pediatric; Psychiatric emergency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy
  • Child
  • Developmental Disabilities / therapy
  • Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Female
  • Homicide / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Violence / psychology