Serviços de emergência psiquiátrica e suas relações com a rede de saúde mental Brasileira

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature concerning the role and the inclusion of psychiatric emergency services in mental health networks. Method: We performed a search in online databases (PubMed and SciELO) for empirical articles and reviews about psychiatric emergency services and networks of mental health services. Results: Psychiatric emergency services are a crucial part of well-structured mental health networks, both due to their role in the management of emergencies proper and to their function in the regulation of the network they belong to. Emergency psychiatric services are related to all inpatient and outpatient services, which enables them to organize the flow of admissions and to prevent the overload of the mental health network. The functions of emergency psychiatric services are broad and go beyond the simple referral for hospitalization, encompassing the clinical stabilization of acute cases and the provision of psychosocial support. In Brazil, these functions were expanded after the mental health reform and the overload of the mental health network resulting from the difficulties and limitations of inpatient and outpatient services. Conclusion: Emergency psychiatric services must be valued and expanded; especially those located in general hospitals. It is suggested that investment in psychiatric emergency services be a priority in Brazilian public health policies to improve mental health care.