Disturbed or Psychiatric Patients in the ED

Authors: Susan Elizabeth Dorrian, Sarah Jones / Editor: Lou Mitchell / Reviewer: Rebecca Ford, Debkumar Chowdhury / Code: A5, CC4, CC6 / Published: 09/04/2021 / Reviewed: 28/07/2025

This module focuses on the assessment and initial management of psychiatric patients in the emergency department (ED).

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Describe a safe environment for assessing disturbed or psychiatric patients in the emergency department
  • Interpret a psychiatric history and mental state examination to give an initial diagnosis and risk assessment
  • Plan the initial management of psychiatric patients in the emergency department
  • Differentiate between organic and non-organic causes for altered behaviour and thinking
  • Evaluate the features in a patient, which may compromise safety in the emergency department
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References

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  17. Royal College of Emergency Medicine. Mental health in the ED: clinical audit 201415. London: RCEM; 2015 May 28
  18. Royal College of Emergency Medicine. Mental health toolkit. RCEM; 2021 Jun.

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