Psychiatry

Lithium may cause ischemic-appearing ECG changes.

Screening for Suicide Risk:

• S: Male sex → 1
• A: Age <19 or >45 years → 1
• D: Depression or hopelessness → 2
• P: Previous suicidal attempts or psychiatric care → 1
• E: Excessive ethanol or drug use → 1
• R: Rational thinking loss (psychotic or organic illness) → 2
• S: Single, widowed or divorced → 1
• O: Organized or serious attempt → 2
• N: No social support → 1
• S: Stated future intent (determined to repeat or ambivalent) → 2

This score is then mapped onto a risk assessment scale as follows:

• 0–5: May be safe to discharge (depending upon circumstances)
• 6-8: Probably requires psychiatric consultation
• >8: Probably requires hospital admission