Which of the following is least likely to be a sign of a psychiatric emergency?

• A. Active suicidal ideation with a specific plan
• B. Threats of harm to others
• C. Disorganized speech and behavior
• D. Mild feelings of sadness without impairment in daily functioning

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what constitutes a psychiatric emergency: these typically involve situations where an individual poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, or shows severe impairment in functioning.
2. Review each option and identify signs that indicate high risk or severe impairment, such as active suicidal ideation with a specific plan, threats of harm to others, and disorganized speech and behavior.
3. Recognize that mild feelings of sadness without impairment in daily functioning do not usually indicate an immediate risk or emergency, as they lack severity and functional impairment.
4. Compare the severity and urgency of each symptom to determine which is least likely to require emergency intervention.
5. Conclude that mild feelings of sadness without impairment are least likely to be a psychiatric emergency because they do not present immediate danger or significant dysfunction.