Teaching and research in emergency psychiatry

Psychiatric emergency departments are playing an increasingly important role in the delivery of mental health care. However, despite a number of recent articles and books on the subject of emergency psychiatry, there is still a marked discrepancy between the service function of an emergency unit and the training and research possibilities it can offer. Five major educational opportunities in such a unit are outlined, and a comprehensive training programme designed to maximize the emergency room experience for students and residents is described. A number of clinical research questions are also raised. Unfortunately, there are significant attitudinal and organizational problems involved in upgrading the academic level of an emergency service. Some of the specific difficulties are pointed out and possible ways of trying to overcome these obstacles are suggested.