Resumen de Behavioral health needs of older adults in the emergency department
Laurel J. Bessey, Rebecca M. Radue, Elizabeth N. Chapman, Lisa L. Boyle, Manish N. Shah
Behavioral health disorders are common among older adults and frequently lead to presentation to the emergency department for evaluation and management. Many medical illnesses can manifest as behavioral health emergencies in older adults; a thorough history and targeted physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging studies are critical to diagnosis and treatment. Understanding past psychiatric history, baseline cognitive status, living situation, social supports, and safety concerns are key to effective management in the emergency department setting. Input from caregivers can provide the emergency department provider with important clues regarding baseline functioning, triggers for behaviors, and help to inform behavioral management. Planning disposition for older adults in the emergency department with behavioral health concerns can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including limited mental health resources.
