Mental Health Commander Recommendation

Mental Health Commander Recommendation Note, the role of the MH Commander is to assist ED with MH presentations to reduce wait times and improve flow to the ACT service. Please note, this review is not a comprehensive mental health assessment. Situation: Patient presented to the Emergency Department with acute suicidal ideation. Presenting Problem: - Patient reports feeling overwhelmed and hopeless due to recent job loss and relationship difficulties. Background: Past Psychiatric History: - Patient has a history of major depressive disorder, diagnosed 3 years ago. Previously treated with sertraline. Medical History: - Patient reports no significant medical history. Medications: - Patient is not currently taking any medications. Substance Use: - Patient reports occasional alcohol use, but denies any current substance use. Mental Status Examination: - Appearance: Patient appears dishevelled and tearful. - Behavior: Patient is restless and agitated. - Speech: Speech is pressured and rapid. - Mood: Patient reports feeling sad and hopeless. - Affect: Affect is constricted. - Thought Process: Thought process is racing and tangential. - Thought Content: Patient reports suicidal ideation with a plan. - Perception: No perceptual disturbances noted. - Cognition: Cognition appears intact. - Insight: Patient acknowledges the need for help. - Judgment: Judgment is impaired due to suicidal ideation. Risk Assessment: - High risk of suicide due to active suicidal ideation with a plan. Recommendation: - Immediate referral to the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) for further assessment and possible admission. - Patient to remain under constant observation until CAT assessment is complete. - Safety plan to be developed with the patient.