Pitfalls in the care of the psychiatric patient in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND Care of the psychiatric patient in the Emergency Department (ED) is evolving. As with other disease states, there are a number of pitfalls that complicate the care of the psychiatric patient. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to update Emergency Physicians concerning the pitfalls in caring for the psychiatric patient, and possible solutions to deal with these pitfalls. DISCUSSION The article will address the burden of the psychiatric patient, staff attitudes, medical clearance process, treatment of the agitated patient, suicidal patients, and admission decisions. CONCLUSIONS Alternative care resources, collaboration with Psychiatry, staff education, improvement in the medical clearance process, proper use of restraint and seclusion, and appropriate choice of medication for agitated patients can help avoid some of the top pitfalls in the care of the psychiatric patient in the ED.