Objective  To analyze the characteristics of severe mental illness emergencies from 2012 to 2018 in Shanghai, and provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of severe mental illness.

  Methods  A total of 10 620 emergency incidents of severe mental illness that were dealt with from January 2012 to December 2018 in Shanghai were sorted out, and characteristics of emergency incidents, such as demography, distribution of regions and year change were analyzed.

  Results  From 2012 to 2018, 10 620 serious mental disorder emergencies were treated in Shanghai, and among them there were 5 745 males (54.09%) and 4 875 females (45.91%); the patients' average age was (52.38 ± 13.08) years(between 16 and 98 years); poverty persons accounted for 3 243 cases (30.54%), while the non-poverty accounted for 7 377 cases (69.46%). Most cases were schizophrenic patients (8 315, accounting for 78.30%), and the most patients aged 36-59 years(6 368, accounting for 59.96%). The most emergency events were relapse or omen (4 304 cases, accounting for 40.53%), and behaviors or risks endangering public safety or the safety of others (3 899 cases, accounting for 36.71%). In terms of behaviors or risks endangering public safety or the safety of others, the proportion of the male was higher than that of the female; the proportion of young patients was higher than that of older patients; and the proportion of paranoid psychosis and undiagnosed patients was higher than that of other patients; 26.54% patients had two or more episodes and caused 49.23% emergency events. The treatment measures for patients were mainly emergency hospitalization and on-site treatment, the nature of treatment was mainly protective treatment, and the treatment effect was mainly "effective". The most emergency events occurred in Xuhui District, while the least occurred in Jinshan District. From 2012 to 2015, the total amount of emergency disposal showed a gradual increasing trend, and then basically maintained a stable level.

  Conclusions  At present, the emergency response process for severe mental disorders in Shanghai has played a stable and important role. Preventing relapse and endangering public safety are the key elements of emergency prevention and control of serious mental disorders. Early monitoring, identification, early warning report and intervention should be strengthened. Schizophrenic patients who have had emergency response in the past should be paid more attention to, the comprehensive management and coordination ability should be further strengthened in emergency response in future.