A Review of Psychiatric Emergencies

The purpose of this course is to help medical personnel recognize psychiatric emergencies, identify common psychiatric illnesses that may share symptoms with physical illness, and improve the management of psychiatric emergencies. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Outline the history and appropriate use of the emergency department (ED).

2. Cite statistics regarding ED utilization.

3. Describe the medical evaluation of psychiatric patients in the emergency setting.

4. Discuss components of a psychiatric assessment in the ED.

5. Review common medical conditions that may be linked to psychiatric issues.

6. Define imminent danger.

7. Identify common psychiatric conditions that may precipitate emergencies in adults.

8. Recognize psychiatric illnesses in children and adolescents that may necessitate emergency intervention.

9. Describe the appropriate management of psychiatric emergencies, including the necessity for providing information in the patient's native language.

10. Outline appropriate discharge planning for patients who have been treated for psychiatric emergencies.

11. List interventions that should be utilized in the case of a psychiatric emergency in an office setting.

12. Discuss legal issues associated with psychiatric emergencies.


This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.