Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Dissociative Disorders Presenting as Psychiatric Emergencies
Indian Journal of Psychiatry January 29, 2023 Jahnavis Kedare, Sachin Pradeep Baliga, Adnanm Kadiani 6 citations
Dissociative disorders are common in Indian emergency departments, most often presenting as dissociative motor disorders, convulsions, or possession states. Prevalence in outpatient settings ranges from 1.5 to 15 per 1000, and in inpatient settings from 1.5 to 11.6 per 1000. Assessment is challenging because symptoms can mimic medical conditions; a detailed history, mental state examination, and targeted investigations are essential. Management focuses on ensuring safety, reducing acute symptoms through reassurance and a calm environment, and arranging follow-up. The Indian Psychiatric Society provides guidelines tailored to emergency settings, emphasizing the need to rule out organic causes and address concurrent psychiatric conditions such as depression or suicide risk.