Volume 12, Issue 4: Acute Behavioural Disturbance

Acute Behavioural Disturbance: The ABC of ABD

Usually, nothing ever happens on a Tuesday night shift, so you are returning for your meal break when an agitated, half-naked man runs into the road in front of you. You need to try and manage the volatile and potentially dangerous situation, when the police arrive – what are you going to do?

CPD benefit

Acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) is a medical emergency that is characterised by acute delirium alongside autonomic dysfunction. ABD is associated with sudden death in 10% of cases. This article will help you identify the typical signs and symptoms of ABD as well as giving guidance on differential diagnoses. As patients often present in an aroused state, displaying bizarre behaviour and abnormal physical strength/physical aggression there is also discussion on restraint, focused on minimal physical restraint and verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to help you assess and manage the patient as well as considering the safety of responders.

Assessment Answers

To check your answers to the quiz please see the back page of the issue or, to get your CPD Certificate, complete the quiz via the ParaPass app: parapassweb.co.uk.