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Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Rethinking Agitation Management: From Force to Partnership

Jan 21, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Scott Zeller, Vice President for Acute Psychiatry at Vituity and former president of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry, challenges traditional views on managing agitation. He emphasizes the importance of involving patients in medication decisions, even in crises. The conversation addresses the stigma of 'chemical restraints' and promotes respectful, patient-centered approaches that prioritize calming strategies. Zeller advocates for innovative methods blending medication with verbal de-escalation to enhance outcomes in emergency settings.
10:50

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Quick takeaways

  • The redefinition of agitation management emphasizes that pharmacological interventions should be viewed as legitimate treatments rather than coercive measures.
  • Involving patients in their treatment decisions enhances recovery by fostering collaboration and reducing aggressive behaviors during episodes of agitation.

Deep dives

Reframing Agitation Management

The approach to managing agitation has been redefined by emphasizing that pharmacological interventions should not be labeled as chemical restraints. Medications administered during episodes of agitation are legitimate treatments for a medical condition rather than tools of coercion. The stigma associated with the term 'chemical restraints' detracts from the understanding that these interventions address actual psychiatric conditions. By shifting the narrative to highlight the therapeutic nature of these medications, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes and promote a more humane treatment environment.

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