Psychiatric emergencies in adolescents.

The spectrum of psychiatric emergencies in adolescents may be best appreciated using the broad framework of urgency. ED physicians and staff using such a framework will be in a better position to triage and to tailor the evaluation assessment and target the intervention and disposition. Understanding the range of urgency can minimize frustration, enhance the clinician's ability to accurately assess complex situations, and make a tremendous difference in the patient's receipt of future services. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, and critical elements of emergency evaluation and treatment of a variety of juvenile psychiatric emergencies. Factors influencing presentation, disposition,and consideration of local treatment resources are reviewed.