There is an associated loss of capacity for self-control with a corresponding increase in risk which does not allow their safe, therapeutic management and treatment in a less acute or a less secure mental health ward.
Care and treatment must be patient-centred, multidisciplinary, intensive and have an immediacy of response to critical clinical and risk situations.
Psychiatric intensive care is delivered by qualified and suitably trained multidisciplinary clinicians according to an agreed philosophy of unit operational policy underpinned by the principles of therapeutic intervention and dynamic clinically focused risk managementMost individuals only stay on PICU wards for a very short time and are moved as soon as the crisis is over or the risky behaviours are under control.
[1][2] PICUs have a diverse range of staff, including: mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, social workers, activities co-ordinators, health care support workers, and ward managers.
Other restrictive practices include rapid tranquillisation, ECT and high dose antipsychotics.