Psychiatric emergencies are conditions that often, but not necessarily, occur as part of a mental disorder and require immediate treatment in order to prevent serious consequences for the patient or third parties. A rapid, comprehensive physical diagnosis is usually required, as the mental symptoms may be caused by a serious physical illness.
We treat the following common acute psychiatric illnesses / emergencies:
- Acute stress disorders as a reaction to stressful life events (crises)
- States of agitation in the context of other mental disorders
- Acute psychotic disorders or exacerbations of schizophrenia with or without catatonic symptoms (psychomotor agitation or inhibition)
- Major depressive disorder (with or without acute suicidality)
- Acute suicidal tendencies or severe self-harming behaviour in the context of other mental disorders
- Severe catatonic disorders (e.g. in the context of schizophrenia, or also organically caused)
- Delirious syndrome (unless internal monitoring is required)
- Intoxication with alcohol or other psychotropic substances (unless internal monitoring is required)
- Withdrawal syndromes (predominantly alcohol, unless internal monitoring is required)
also:
- adverse drug reactions to psychotropic drugs ("side effects") requiring immediate treatment (e.g. acute dystonia, etc.)
Depending on the mental disorder, treatment is based on psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic elements in addition to supportive counselling. Sometimes brain stimulation procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy are used.
Emergency admissions to our clinic are possible at any time.
Outpatient presentation:
Contact Psychiatric Institute Outpatient Clinic
Inpatient treatment (or outside of outpatient consultation hours):
Contact Bleuler Ward
