Handbook of Emergency Psychiatry

This handbook is a practical, quick-reference guide to the evaluation and management of acute psychiatric symptoms seen in emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric and medical-surgical units. The book presents a step-by-step approach to each symptom, beginning with a list of questions necessary for initial assessment and proceeding to psychopharmacologic interventions, DSM-IV-TR criteria, differential diagnosis, and disposition guidelines. Additional chapters address safety concerns, the mental status examination, use of restraints and seclusion, child and elder abuse, and special needs of children, adolescents, geriatric patients, mentally retarded individuals, and patients with HIV. A chapter on legal and forensic issues is also included.