Amphetamine-type-substance-related presentations to the Emergency Department Mental Health Team of a local health district in Australia
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Australasian Psychiatry, 2019, 27 (4), pp. 369 - 373
- Issue Date:
- 2019-08-01
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© The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2019. 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.
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