1. Amphetamine-type-substance-related presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team of a local health district in Australia.
- Author
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Chivaurah BM, Lienert D, and Coates D
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Female, Humans, Illicit Drugs adverse effects, Male, Middle Aged, New South Wales epidemiology, Patient Admission statistics & numerical data, Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data, Retrospective Studies, Suicide, Attempted statistics & numerical data, Young Adult, Amphetamine adverse effects, Amphetamine-Related Disorders epidemiology, Emergency Service, Hospital statistics & numerical data, Psychoses, Substance-Induced epidemiology
- 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.
- Published
- 2019
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