Condition Lookup
Category:
Emergency
Number of Conditions: 7
Delirium
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Cognitive Disorders
Symptoms:
confusion; disorientation; hallucinations; restlessness; fluctuating levels of consciousness; impaired attention
Root Cause:
Acute disturbance in brain function, often caused by an underlying medical condition, medication, or substance withdrawal.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, including history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to identify contributing factors. Use of diagnostic tools like the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).
Treatment:
Treating the underlying cause (e.g., infection, electrolyte imbalance); supportive care to ensure safety and minimize distress.
Medications:
Antipsychotics like haloperidol or quetiapine for severe agitation; benzodiazepines for delirium caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in hospitalized patients, especially older adults; occurs in up to 50% of elderly individuals post-surgery.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, pre-existing cognitive impairment, severe illness, substance abuse, or multiple medications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Reversible with prompt treatment of the underlying cause; delayed treatment may result in prolonged symptoms or complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term cognitive decline, increased risk of institutionalization, and higher mortality rates in severe cases.
Acute Stress Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Symptoms:
intrusive memories; dissociation; avoidance of reminders; sleep disturbances; irritability; difficulty concentrating; hypervigilance
Root Cause:
An intense response to a traumatic event, involving excessive activation of the stress response system.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on DSM-5 criteria, including exposure to a traumatic event, presence of specific symptoms, and duration between 3 days and 1 month. Psychological assessments and clinical interviews are often used.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is the primary treatment. Techniques such as trauma-focused CBT may be used to address symptoms.
Medications:
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including sertraline or paroxetine , may be prescribed to manage acute anxiety or depression. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam ) can be used short-term for severe anxiety but with caution due to the risk of dependency.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 13-21% of individuals exposed to trauma, depending on the nature of the event.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of prior trauma, lack of social support, pre-existing mental health disorders, and severity of the traumatic event.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with early intervention; most cases resolve within a few weeks. If untreated, may progress to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and impaired daily functioning.
Delirium, Dementia, and Amnesia in Emergency Medicine
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Symptoms:
confusion; disorientation; memory impairment; inattention; altered mental status; hallucinations; agitation; withdrawal
Root Cause:
Acute brain dysfunction often caused by underlying medical issues, such as infections, metabolic imbalances, head trauma, intoxication, or withdrawal.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment including patient history, mental status exams (e.g., CAM for delirium), physical exams, imaging studies (CT or MRI), and lab tests to identify underlying causes.
Treatment:
Identify and treat the underlying cause (e.g., infections, dehydration, hypoxia), supportive care, and symptomatic treatment (e.g., antipsychotics for agitation).
Medications:
Medications include antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol or olanzapine ), benzodiazepines for withdrawal-related causes, and cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Delirium affects 10-30% of hospitalized patients, particularly in the elderly. Dementia affects 5-8% of individuals over 60 globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, pre-existing cognitive impairment, substance use, infections, polypharmacy, hospitalization, or major surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; delirium is often reversible if the cause is treated, but dementia typically progresses chronically. Amnesia prognosis depends on etiology (e.g., head trauma, substance-related causes).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Falls, prolonged hospitalization, worsening of underlying conditions, or progression to chronic cognitive impairment.
Emergent Management of Bulimia Nervosa
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
binge eating; compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise); electrolyte imbalances; dental erosion; gastrointestinal issues; dehydration; irregular heartbeat
Root Cause:
Psychological and biological factors leading to cycles of bingeing and compensatory behaviors, often linked to body image issues.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment per DSM-5 criteria, including recurrent binge-eating episodes and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, occurring at least once a week for three months. Physical exam and lab tests to assess for complications.
Treatment:
Stabilize acute complications (e.g., electrolyte imbalances, dehydration). Long-term treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT or DBT), nutritional rehabilitation, and medications.
Medications:
Fluoxetine (SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia. Medications address underlying depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of women and 0.5% of men worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Adolescence, perfectionism, cultural pressure to be thin, history of trauma or dieting, and co-existing mental health disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery is possible with comprehensive treatment, but relapses are common without ongoing support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal rupture, or chronic gastrointestinal issues.
Emergent Treatment of Schizophrenia
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Psychotic Disorders
Symptoms:
delusions; hallucinations; disorganized speech; catatonia; agitation; withdrawal; impaired reality testing
Root Cause:
Dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, often with a genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment of psychotic symptoms persisting for six months or longer, ruling out medical or substance-induced causes. Imaging and labs may be used to rule out organic causes.
Treatment:
Acute stabilization in a safe environment, antipsychotic medication, and addressing underlying medical conditions.
Medications:
Second-generation antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone , olanzapine , aripiprazole ) or first-generation antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol ) are commonly used. Adjunct benzodiazepines may be used for agitation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition, substance abuse (e.g., cannabis use), and urban living.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; with treatment, symptoms can be managed, but many patients experience chronic relapses and functional impairment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Homelessness, substance abuse, suicide risk, or comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Toxicity
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Medication Toxicity
Symptoms:
agitation; confusion; tremors; hyperreflexia; tachycardia; sweating; nausea; diarrhea; seizures; hyperthermia
Root Cause:
Excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system due to overdose or interaction with other serotonergic drugs.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical diagnosis based on history of SSRI use and presentation of symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome. Rule out other causes like infection or withdrawal.
Treatment:
Discontinuation of the SSRI, supportive care (hydration, cooling measures for hyperthermia), benzodiazepines for agitation, and administration of cyproheptadine (a serotonin antagonist) in severe cases.
Medications:
Cyproheptadine (antihistamine with serotonin antagonist properties), benzodiazepines for sedation, and IV fluids for stabilization.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is relatively rare but can occur in up to 15% of SSRI overdoses.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Polypharmacy involving serotonergic drugs, overdose, or genetic susceptibility to altered serotonin metabolism.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; untreated severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications like seizures or organ failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and cardiovascular collapse in severe cases.
Suicide
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Crisis Intervention
Symptoms:
suicidal ideation; withdrawal from social connections; mood instability; giving away possessions; self-harm behaviors
Root Cause:
A complex interplay of mental illness (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis), environmental stressors, and personal risk factors like hopelessness.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of suicidal ideation, intent, and planning, often using risk assessment tools (e.g., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale).
Treatment:
Immediate safety measures (e.g., hospitalization if high risk), psychotherapy (e.g., DBT or CBT), medications for underlying mental health conditions, and support systems.
Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like sertraline or fluoxetine ), mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium ), or antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine ) depending on underlying conditions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Globally, suicide accounts for over 700,000 deaths annually, making it a significant public health concern.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mental illness, substance abuse, history of trauma, social isolation, chronic pain, or significant life stressors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Dependent on timely intervention and support; individuals with ongoing treatment and a strong support system have improved outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Death, severe physical injury from failed attempts, chronic mental health deterioration, or relational disruption.