Bernard M Chivaurah1, David Lienert2, Dominiek Coates3. 1. Psychiatry Registrar, Emergency Department Mental Health Team, Wyong Hospital, NSW, Australia. 2. Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director, Central Coast Local Health District, NSW, Australia. 3. Senior Research Fellow, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence and profile of amphetamine-type-substance-related presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team of a local health district in Australia. METHODS: Data was collected from medical records of all amphetamine-type-substance presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team over a 1-year period, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. RESULTS: Of all presentations referred to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team, 0.15% (N = 189) were amphetamine-type-substance related. Of these, the majority were male, the average age was 32, 19.0% engaged in intravenous drug use, some were aggressive and 15.9% required tranquilisation. The most common presenting issues were psychosis and suicidal threats, intent and behaviour (including intentional overdose). Multiple comorbid conditions were identified. On discharge, 34.4% were admitted into a psychiatric hospital and 32.8% were referred to Community Mental health teams. CONCLUSIONS: Amphetamine-type-substance users suffer from multiple comorbidities and pose a significant burden on emergency services.
OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence and profile of amphetamine-type-substance-related presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team of a local health district in Australia. METHODS: Data was collected from medical records of all amphetamine-type-substance presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team over a 1-year period, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. RESULTS: Of all presentations referred to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team, 0.15% (N = 189) were amphetamine-type-substance related. Of these, the majority were male, the average age was 32, 19.0% engaged in intravenous drug use, some were aggressive and 15.9% required tranquilisation. The most common presenting issues were psychosis and suicidal threats, intent and behaviour (including intentional overdose). Multiple comorbid conditions were identified. On discharge, 34.4% were admitted into a psychiatric hospital and 32.8% were referred to Community Mental health teams. CONCLUSIONS: Amphetamine-type-substance users suffer from multiple comorbidities and pose a significant burden on emergency services.
Entities:
Keywords:
amphetamines; emergency department; mental health