Question

A 24-year-old man is brought to A&E by friends with acute agitation, auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions. He is attempting to leave and is at risk of running into traffic. There is no clear physical cause and he refuses assessment. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Use de-escalation techniques, assess risk and consider detention under the Mental Health Act for urgent assessment

Answer

Allow him to leave because he refuses treatment

Answer

Sedate him with high-dose Benzodiazepines without assessment

Answer

Call the police to arrest him for disturbing the peace

Answer

Restrain him and discharge once he calms down without further follow-up

Practice question

A 24-year-old man is brought to A&E by friends with acute agitation, auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions. He is attempting to leave and is at risk of running into traffic. There is no clear physical cause and he refuses assessment. What is the most appropriate immediate management?