Multidisciplinary team
Such situations can be classed as acute and require access services. The patient should be able to participate and be involved in decsisions regarding their treatment. crisis services must ensure that the patient's choices, and needs are respecte in order to prevent serious harm to the patient and others. It is only under the Mental Health Act that patients may be treated against their wishes. However patients may be able to "plan ahead" in such situations, in order for their wishes to be fulfilled should they experience a crisis. As a GP is predominantly the first healthcare professional that patients come into contact with, they can play a significant role in helping a patient mange and avoid a mental health illness from progressing into a crisis. Some patients may find this of great benefit.
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment teams (CRHT)
A CRHT comprises of a psychiatrist, accompanied by mental health nurses, support and social workers. The role of this team s to ascertain who must stay in hospital, and who may be eligible for home care. They provide appropriate and accurate services, enabling the patient to be treated in a familiar and comforting environment.
If patients do not require the hospital admission, the CRHT team can manage the risks of the patient remaining at home , by regularly visiting the patient and administering medication. CRHT team have not only works with the patient but with the with family, relatives and also carers , they also "have a good" knowledge
Crisis Services
What does the evidence say?
A Cochrane review has revealed that whether in a community or patient's own home, the provision of care was "worthwile, acceptable, and less expensive than standard care". It was also found that at 3 and 6 months post crisis, repeated crisises resulting in hospitals was significantly reduced, (in some hospitals it was reduced by 50%).
When are mental health services required?
Situations where mental health services are required include the following:
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Where severe self harming behaviour is an issue
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Suicidal behaviour
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Psychotic symptoms
What is a crisis?
A crisis is a situation where an individual is incapable of coping by themselves, displaying reckless, and harmful behaviour.
Crisis resolution services deal with severe mental illnesses. They must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis services aids and enable patients to be managed in such a way where they do not have to undergo a continuous cycle of being discharged and returning to hospital after being unable to cope with a crisis at home.
When a depressed individual requires specialist mental health services an assessment must be made to assess the following:
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Patient's suicide risk, presenting symptoms and if possible revious treatments that the patient has used.
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Any relevant relationship issues, stressors , or personlity factors (especially if depression is long term or recurrent)
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Any accompanying illnesses, also including personality disorders, alcohol and substance misuse.