Medical clearance of psychiatric patients

Patients with primarily psychiatric complaints commonly present to emergenc y departments. The challenges to emergency medicine physicians are to disti nguish functional from organic disease and to address any underlying medica l comorbidities. The key elements of this medical "clearance" evaluation of psychiatric patients are discussed. The tremendous importance of the histo ry and physical examination are highlighted, as is judicious use of laborat ory and radiographic testing. Toxicology testing is specifically addressed.