Understanding Agitation: De-escalation

Agitation is an acute behavioral emergency requiring immediate intervention. In this simulation, Scott Zeller, M.D. demonstrates verbal de-escalation. De-escalation is highly effective and has been identified as the preferred intervention in calming a person experiencing agitation. This technique is also key to avoiding seclusion and restraint, which can be traumatizing to both patients and staff. The goal in verbal de-escalation is to help the person regain control so that he or she can better communicate needs with health care providers.

Production of the DBSA Understanding Agitation video series was supported by a contribution from Teva.

[csbauch]

The actor, playing the patient, is absolutely flawless.
Well done all around.

[Isabellazsda]

He's got an empathetic manner . He gets on the level of the patient in trying to get along side of his concern . Speaking in a quiet calm manner . Body language good . not getting in his face. I like the asking him what the patient needs.

[allieblake]

“I’m here to help, not to hurt.”

Omg I’m using this in my new job as an MHA 🥺❤️❤️❤️

[maryblanchard]

Thank you. I am so glad there are some people out there trying a compassionate approach to those in crisis.

[mrperfectjohn]

Very good actors.This is what truly happens in a typical Psychiatric Facility.

[OvenBakedCookie]

EVERYONE should watch this. This is so practical, so helpful, and has none of the spiritual-touchy-feely-bs. It's all proper medical/psychological methods to help someone in distress. I love that.

[michaelomalley]

This is a truly excellent video! While I’m not a healthcare provider by any standard, I work as a Security Enforcement Officer and have experienced situations such as this. It’s sometimes unnerving when you initially encounter a behavioral health emergency for the first time, and you may understandably be nervous when not knowing how to approach the situation and not knowing the person’s current state of mind.

[PHanomaly]

2:36 when someone says they dont understand why they're here, you dont say: sit down.. excellent, thank you!

[Sharon-swmr]

"You can get me out of this damn place."🧑‍⚕️
Excellent video. Thanks.

[Yellokitti]

excellent, I use CPI everyday at work. Sometimes people need to be listened to, vent, and have their anxieties averted rather than 2/5/and 50.

[samanthaballieu]

This is the best video I’ve seen on this topic. What a true to life scenario. Thank you for providing this to the public!

[zachmeints]

This is a good vignette for an average residential treatment facility. If you are looking for more low barrier this may not apply exactly. Scott has some great and important reframes that new social workers and the everyday person could use. The techniques he uses seem easy enough, but really need a lot of attention, since when you need them, it's easy to forget them, due to what happens to everyone when they get stressed: they rely on stuff they ingrained in themselves.

[aliciarenouf]

Restraint can agrivate the most graceful human, let alone someone locked in their own mind and unsure of the world around them.

[Sheba]

He acknowledges the persons feelings. " It sounds like you're going through a tough time"
He goes with what the person is saying..
His body language is calm

[labella]

Thank you, you were so clear, precise and to the point.

[ryanfrizzell]

Interesting video. I'm watching this right now for a new-hire safety orientation and Dr. Zeller is a rather knowledge man. The information provided in this video is sure to help me better address agitation and de-escalate situations of agitation.

[BackBasicsDanceCo]

5 minutes? As a nurse, it has taken me anywhere from 15-30 minutes to talk someone down if they are highly agitated.

[alicerose]

In addition to the time it takes to restrain you have to document all of it afterward. If anyone gets hurt then you have to document the injuries as well.

[WhatMakesUsThink]

In my experience working in Mental health facility when someone got to the unit agitared First thought in the staff mind it's give a shot in the butt. When we have a lot skills for deescaled patients. But mental health area in general need more people who really love what they do.

[joeldecoster]

making them confess and perpetuating restrainment, they have the power