Episode 140 - Beyond the Behavior: A Differential Diagnosis of Agitation

The agitated patient is one of the most challenging encounters in emergency medicine. They may be yelling, fighting, refusing care, or creating an unsafe environment. But it's important to remember that agitation is not a diagnosis but a symptom. Behavior is a vital sign. In this episode, we challenge the assumption that every combative patient is intoxicated, psychiatric, or simply "difficult."…