Initial Management of Behavioural Crises in Family Medicine

Tool Objective

To assess and subsequently manage a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities presenting in behavioural crisis. Distress behaviour is often the only way a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities can communicate unmet needs. Cause(s) underlying distress behaviour can be identified using an approach to assessment and diagnostic formulation that considers possible medical, supports and expectations, emotional and psychiatric factors. The tool outlines initial management strategies for the first 24-72 hours, and plans to prevent recurrence of behavioural crisis.

Developed by

The Behavioural and Mental Health Working Group of the Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Initiative (2011), chaired by Dr. Elspeth Bradley, Surrey Place, Toronto

 Download: Initial Management of Behavioural Crises

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