Psychiatric intensive care

Abstract

A psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) represents the frontline of acute psychiatric services, and the purpose of a PICU is to provide safe and effective care to the most challenging patients in the acute psychiatric population. PICU psychiatry concerns the management of acute psychiatric illness, usually of a manic and/or psychotic nature, associated with behavioural disturbance. Such disturbance often involves violence and aggression towards others. The basic principles of PICU psychiatry involve the provision of a less stimulating, safe environment for the patient; consideration of physical, procedural, and relational security; and the possible use of restrictive practices such as seclusion/isolation, restraint, and rapid tranquilization.