Treatment Plan & Prognosis

Treatment Plan

Conservative:

• Follow-up within 48 hours
• Structured patient-centred CBT
• Problem-solving therapy
• Safety plan creation
• Provision of contact information/helplines

Admission criteria:

• Physical risk present
• Mental health risks present
• Minor injuries: manage in primary care if no ongoing risk

Mental Health Act sections:

• Section 2: 28 days (2 doctors – 1 psychiatrist Section 12 approved + 1 GP)
• Section 3: 6 months (2 doctors – as above)
• Section 4: 72 hours (1 doctor + mental health professional/relative)
• Section 136: Police power for a place of safety

Prognosis

• High relapse rate: 1 in 6 within 1 year
• Complications include:
  • Severe overdoses
  • Permanent skin damage