Nurses and other professionals in clinical practice are increasingly worried that they are unprepared to cope with psychiatric emergencies. This original book will equip them with all the appropriate skills to act effectively and professionally. It will also enable them to maintain their own safety. The approach is deliberately practical, and the text covers most of the common emergencies and others which raise difficult management issues. An adaptable framework which can be used in any emergency is developed. It brings together related issues such as intervention skills, client involvement and staff stress. It will prove a popular and reassuring companion and an important practical resource. * basic principles presented clearly and simply * supported by discussions of current research * intervention techniques explored in detail