Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate safety and stabilization
Immediate priorities
Airway compromise
If severe agitation with inability to protect airway, RSI pathway per local protocol
If profound sedation after medication, airway support and continuous monitoring
Breathing
If hypoventilation, oxygenation and ventilation support
If aspiration risk, lateral positioning and suction readiness
Circulation
If hyperthermia, aggressive cooling and IV fluids
If hypotension after sedatives, IV fluids then vasopressors per shock protocol
Immediate safety
If imminent risk to self or others, secure environment and trained staff presence
If severe agitation, de-escalation then medication per agitation pathway
Agitation and behavioral emergency pathway
Rapid agitation control
Nonpharmacologic first-line
Low-stimulation environment
One-speaker approach
Clear limits and simple choices
If escalation despite de-escalation, medication
Antipsychotic-based strategy for suspected mania or psychosis
Benzodiazepine adjunct for severe agitation or catatonia concern
If physical restraint required, shortest duration with continuous reassessment
Positional asphyxia risk mitigation
Vital signs and mental status checks at defined intervals per policy
Medical mimics and secondary causes screen
High-risk medical causes
Substance intoxication or withdrawal
Stimulants
Alcohol withdrawal
Sedative-hypnotic withdrawal
Endocrine and metabolic
Hyperthyroidism
Hypoglycemia
Electrolyte disturbance
Neurologic
Seizure
Encephalitis
Stroke
Medication-induced
Corticosteroids
Antidepressant-induced switching
Dopaminergic agents
Capacity, consent, and legal status
Decision-making capacity framework
Understanding
Illness and proposed interventions
Risks and benefits
Appreciation
Consequences of acceptance or refusal
Personal relevance
Reasoning
Ability to compare options
Consistent logic
Communication
Stable choice over time
Initial monitoring and targets
Monitoring bundle after sedation or antipsychotic
Continuous pulse oximetry
If respiratory depression, escalation pathway
Cardiac monitoring for QT-prolonging agents
If QTc prolonged, switch strategy and correct electrolytes
Temperature monitoring
If hyperthermia, malignant syndrome and intoxication pathways
Key concepts
Bipolar episode framing
Manic episode
Elevated or irritable mood and increased energy
Functional impairment or hospitalization or psychosis
Depressive episode
Low mood or anhedonia with functional impairment
High suicide risk periods
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.