A Resource Guide for Faculty, Teaching Assistants, Medical Practitioners, and Professional Staff
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Irrational or Inapporpriate Behavior

The concept of “being out of touch with reality” historically has received a number of different definitions. Eventually parts of these definitions were grouped into classifications that describe different disorders and/or associated features of disorders. The common feature of these disorders is that the person demonstrates a gross impairment in reality testing. Some of the features of being out of touch with reality are disorganized speech; disorganized behavior; increase in odd or eccentric behavior; inappropriate or no expression of emotion; expression of erroneous beliefs that usually involve a misinterpretation of reality; expression of bizarre thoughts that could involve visual or auditory hallucinations; withdrawal from social interactions; an inability to connect with people, and an inability to track and process thoughts that are based in reality. Many of the disorders that involve psychotic features have an onset between the late teens and the mid-thirties. When you encounter a student who displays irrational or inappropriate behavior or appears to be out of touch with reality:

DO

  1. Call Counseling Services for assistance (893-4411) or Student Health, Urgent Care (893-4173).
  2. On the weekends or after 5:00 p.m., call 911 (9-911 from campus phones) for assistance.
  3. When possible, accompany the student to Counseling Services (Building 599) or Student Health (Building 588). If you feel uncomfortable with the student or if you are unable to accompany the student to one of these services, please contact Counseling Services (893-4411) for consultation and guidance or Student Health Administration (893-2251).
  4. Speak to the student in a concrete and direct manner.
  5. Tell the student the plan for getting him /her to a safe environment, and repeat the plan emphasizing the safe environment.
  6. Be aware that the student may show no emotions or intense emotions.
  7. Be aware that the student may be extremely fearful to the extent of paranoia.
  8. Be aware that the student may not understand you or understand only pieces of what is being said.
  9. Be aware that a student in this state may pose a danger to self or others.

DON’T

  1. Crowd the student’s personal space.
  2. Assume the student will be able to take care of him/herself when out of touch with reality.
  3. Agitate the student. Be flexible in the manner you proceed with the student.
  4. Argue with the student’s erroneous thought processes.
  5. Assume the student can understand you.
  6. Chase after a student who decides to run. Call 911 (9-911 from campus phones) for assistance.
  7. Allow a student’s friends to take care of the student without getting a professional opinion.
  8. Assume the family knows about the student’s condition.
 
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