Phillip Stawski, MD

Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice (2nd ed); Walters Kluwer; 2020

Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice

 are foundational repositories of knowledge and practice for all who care for patients with an acute behavioral health concern. Recent literature indicates that over 12.5% of all Emergency Department visits are related to psychiatric conditions and this is projected to increase. This figure does not account for acute presentations of behavioral health needs that may present to an urgent care, community clinic, or primary care provider’s office. Emergency psychiatry fills an unmet need in our complex health care system. We provide evidence-based and expeditious care for the most vulnerable patient population.

Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice has something for everyone and is easily applicable to emergency and primary care providers, social workers, first responders, community crisis workers, peer coaches, and security personnel. The book is well written and focuses on the important concepts of a patient centered, trauma informed approach of patient care. The addition of up-to-date research in the field support the material presented within the text and make it clear that the authors have done their due diligence in presenting the best product possible.

The text is organized into six sections with concise yet thorough chapters focusing on high yield material encountered in the acute care setting. The inclusion of delivery models, quality standards, staffing models as well as safety and security provide a nice framework focused on the emergency department; however, the information is easily applicable to different care settings. Chapters dedicated to interview techniques, 

, and relevant information on common psychiatric presentations are comprehensively written. They are also written at a level that easily supports the needs of acute care and mental health providers.

The second edition includes an expanded section on 

 with new chapters on the psychiatric care of transgender patients, immigrants and refugees, prisoners, VIPs and athletes in crisis, and college and university students. These populations are often likely to seek care in an acute care or emergency setting.

This edition also includes a chapter on boarding of psychiatric patients. Anyone who works in this setting will recognize the realities and difficulties of boarding, and this book is a nice reference for best practices. The addition of chapters on 

 and disaster psychiatry bring this edition into the modern era.

The accompanying eBook is a nice additional feature that lends itself to easy electronic reference and a great tool for modern learners. Residents will find this an essential guide while on rotation while attendings will find it equally useful with great tips on teaching and research within the field. As the field continues to grow, Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice has established itself as the go-to resource for the frontline provider.

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Emergency Psychiatry: Principles and Practice has something for everyone and is easily applicable to emergency and primary care.

Author | Phillip Stawski, MD

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Two Perspectives: Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry