The psychiatric emergency ward has become a primary entry point into the
network of mental health services for people who need help to cope with
their problems of living. It is also the only source of treatment for many
chronically mentally ill patients living in the community. The authors
critically review the literature on emergency psychiatric services,
focusing on the ways these services are used, the atmosphere in the
emergency room, and the determinants of disposition decision making. On the
basis of their research, they suggest a model for emergency services that
includes an evaluation of the patient's and his on her community's
resources and competence and minimizes subtle diagnostic
considerations.
Abstract Teaser