Mental Illness Basics
This manual used by clinicians outlines diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
What is the DSM-5?
Difficulty understanding instructions, sensory overload, or delayed responses may
What is an intellectual or developmental disability?
Talking about wanting to die is an example of this type of warning sign.
What is a verbal warning sign?
This North Carolina process allows temporary custody for mental health evaluation.
What is involuntary commitment (IVC)?
The main goal of de-escalation during a crisis is to do this.
What is reduce tension and increase safety?
Hearing voices that others do not hear is an example of this symptom.
What are auditory hallucinations?
Avoiding eye contact and repetitive behaviors are commonly associated with this condition.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye may indicate this risk.
What is suicidal intent?
An IVC requires reasonable grounds that the person is dangerous to this.
What is self or others?
Speaking calmly, using simple language, and allowing time to respond are examples of this.
What is effective communication?
A mental illness often associated with delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
What is schizophrenia?
A person with an I/DD may react to police presence with fear, flight, or this response.
What is noncompliance due to misunderstanding?
Sudden calmness after distress can be a sign of this.
What is imminent suicide risk?
his official may issue a custody and transportation order.
What is a magistrate or clerk of court?
Officers should avoid this behavior when interacting with someone in crisis.
What is crowding or rushing the individual?
This condition may cause extreme mood swings between mania and depression.
What is bipolar disorder?
A condition that affects muscle tone, movement, and posture.
What is cerebral palsy?
Older adults, veterans, and law enforcement officers are considered this type of group.
What is a high-risk population?
Law enforcement’s role in IVC is primarily this.
What is transportation and safety?
This decision-making framework is emphasized during crisis response.
What is the Critical Decision-Making (CDM) model?
A medical condition that can mimic mental illness symptoms, especially confusion.
What is hypoglycemia (or a UTI, TBI, etc.)?
This injury can cause memory loss, confusion, and emotional changes.
What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
When in doubt about suicide risk, officers should always do this.
What is take the threat seriously and seek help?
Using jail as a holding place for care is generally considered this.
What is inappropriate unless statutorily authorized?
Slowing down, giving space, and validating emotions are part of this approach.
What is de-escalation?