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Rapid Responses: Management of Psychiatric Emergencies

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Activity Dates: 04/18/2023 - 04/18/2026

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Session Time and Location

The live session is complete.

Target Audience

If you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional involved in the comprehensive medication management of individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders, we invite you to participate in this online course.

Session Summary

Psychiatric emergencies such as Serotonin Syndrome and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome are rare, making it difficult to recognize them when they occur, as well as quickly recall evidence-based treatment strategies. Being able to recognize potential risk factors and signs/symptoms of NMS or SS may help clinicians better detect these emergencies when they occur so treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. This session will provide an overview of both syndromes from symptom onset through resolution and future medication management with a series of case examples.

Published Research Related to this Session: 
  • Pileggi DJ, Cook AM. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: focus on treatment and rechallenge. Ann Pharmacother. 2016;50(11):973-981.
  • Wang RZ, Vashistha V, Sukdeep K, Houchens NW. Serotonin syndrome: preventing, recognizing and treating it. Cleve Clin J Med. 2016;83(11):810-817.
  • Foong A, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J. Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity). Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(10):720-727.

Course Requirements

To receive ACPE credit for this session, you must:

  • Sign in (or create a FREE account).
  • Register for this course.
  • Review the full content of the activity and reflect upon its teachings.
  • Complete the post-test at the end of the activity no later than the closing activity date.
  • Complete the evaluation at the end of the activity.
  • If necessary, complete the post-test retest no later than the closing activity date.
  • Receive a passing grade (70%).
  • Provide the necessary details in your profile to ensure correct reporting by AAPP to CPE Monitor.

Upon successful completion, ACPE credit is reported within 24 hours to CPE Monitor although transcripts can be retrieved by participants online in their ACPE Transcript.

Faculty Information

Amy VandenBerg, PharmD, BCPP

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Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize psychiatric emergencies serotonin syndrome (SS) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) when they occur.
  2. Describe differential diagnosis for psychiatric emergencies.
  3. Recall evidence-based treatment strategies for SS and NMS.
  4. Explain different treatment options for rapid interventions for SS and NMS.

Continuing Education Credit and Disclosures

Activity Dates: 04/18/2023 - 04/18/2026
ACPE Contact Hours: 1
ACPE Number: 0284-0000-23-034-H01-P (Knowledge)
Nursing Credit Reminder: Note that ACPE credit is accepted for ANCC Certification Renewal and AANPCB advanced practice provider content. For specific questions related to your organization's acceptance of ACPE continuing education units, please contact your organization directly.

ACPEThe American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

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