The behaviors exhibited by patients in
the emergency department can range from mild to severe
and can be caused by a variety of disorders. Suicidal behaviors
are the most common; however, the purpose of this
article is to address other important behavioral emergencies
presented in the emergency department such as severe anxiety,
severe depression, mania, acute confusion, and aggression.
These underlying conditions escalate the patient’s
behavior, and patients become a threat to themselves and
others. Health care providers should be familiar with certain
psychiatric disorders and be prepared to handle the behavioral
emergency quickly and appropriately.