Overview: clinical applications of the Amytal interview in psychiatric emergency settings
American Journal of PsychiatryPublished 1 May 1982
J C Perry, Douglas Jacobs
Citations95
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score5.27
SNIP3.68
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TL;DR
The authors offer a protocol for application of the amytal interview in emergency settings and valid therapeutic indications include the abreaction of traumatic neurosis, recovery of memory in amnesic and fugue states, and recovery of function in conversion disorders.
Abstract
The authors review the evidence for the efficacy of the sodium amytal interview with particular reference to psychiatric emergencies and rapid assessment and treatment. Amytal interviews have a valid role in the assessment and initial management of catatonia, hysterical stupor, and unexplained muteness as well as in distinguishing between depressive, schizophrenic, and organic stuporous states. Valid therapeutic indications include the abreaction of traumatic neurosis, recovery of memory in amnesic and fugue states, and recovery of function in conversion disorders. The authors offer a protocol for application of the amytal interview in emergency settings.
Keywords
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