Dr. Tony Thrasher, an expert in emergency psychiatry, shares insights from his extensive experience managing agitated patients. He discusses crucial verbal de-escalation techniques and compassionate care practices that improve patient outcomes. Key topics include the importance of understanding agitation as a medical emergency, the complexities of treating patients with substance use disorders, and the delicate balance between autonomy and necessary intervention. Thrasher emphasizes the merging of common sense with medical knowledge to enhance psychiatric care.