Work

Ethical and Clinical Challenges in Involuntary Hospitalization for First-Break Psychosis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In our report, we discuss the case of a young adult female who presented to our institution's emergency department with new-onset third-degree heart block and psychotic-like symptoms. The patient had a psychiatric history remarkable for presumed bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and cannabis use disorder, with no inpatient admissions or suicide attempts and not taking any psychotropic medications. While in our care, the patient expressed grandiose delusions and hallucinations. All laboratory and diagnostic testing (including tick-borne diseases) were within the normal limits. The patient did not meet strict criteria for involuntary hospitalization in New York State, but the care team faced a dilemma about the patient's safety and fitness for discharge. Here, we discuss this commonly encountered scenario and the bioethics and clinical decision-making to ensure the presenting patient's health, safety, and rights.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75462

Authors: Eric Chen, Justin N Passman, Ilana Yel, Mason Chacko

Institution: Stony Brook University

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Stony Brook University