Psychodynamic issues in the emergency department

A psychodynamically informed approach to interviewing in the PES can greatly enhance clinicians' ability to appropriately assess and manage patients. Although psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy as treatments are not appropriate to the emergency setting, the theory and technique that inform them are broadly applicable to all patients. In an age of rapidly proliferating psychopharmacologic approaches, recent major developments in psychodynamic conceptualization and technique are easily overlooked. When coupled with other advances in psychiatry, however, psychodynamic approaches can widen the scope of therapeutic abilities. The psychodynamic perspective can facilitate data gathering, enhance therapeutic alliances and personal safety, aid in treatment, and contribute to psychiatrists' continuing efforts to serve the biopsychosocial needs of all patients.