Behavioral emergencies include various behavioral states
such as self-destruction, agitation, and loss of emotional
control. The signs and symptoms indicative of a behavioral
emergency include expression of suicidal thoughts, impulsive
behavior, rage, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and
the presence of one or more recent major stressors.1
Incidence and High-Risk Groups
The number of annual visits to the emergency department
for behavioral emergencies is difficult to measure. Often,
the patient presents with a primary problem, either medical
or behavioral, but may also exhibit behaviors that can deteriorate
into a crisis.