Get Psyched About Agitation Management with Dr. Michael Gerardi

The discussion centers on addressing the behavioral health crisis in emergency departments and the potential for an emergency psychiatry subspecialty. Dr. Michael Gerardi emphasizes the increasing burden and inhumane treatment of behavioral health patients due to resource shortages. He advocates for improved training for emergency physicians in managing agitated patients, including de-escalation techniques and appropriate pharmacologic interventions. The conversation highlights the need for a focused practice designation in emergency psychiatry to enhance expertise and patient care. Dr. Gerardi also introduces Elimi, a sublingual dexmedetomidine, as a self-administered medication for acute agitation, potentially reducing the need for restraints and injections. He seeks support from interested physicians to help develop this subspecialty and improve behavioral health management in emergency settings.