ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case of a 20-year-old roofer who is brought to the emergency department by the police. He is under arrest after having been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. They had both been drinking and then had an argument during which he punched her several times. He presents as a slim, reasonably kempt young man who smells of alcohol. He is agitated and restless, and eye contact is variable. He is difficult to engage and answers most questions by being verbally abusive. After some persuasion, he eventually acknowledges that he is being offered help and he agrees to cooperate with the assessment. His speech is loud, rapid and slurred. Cardiovascular, respiratory and abdominal examinations are normal. Upon neurological examination he has an up-going left plantar response but no other abnormality. It will be important to assess whether he has the capacity to consent to admission, failing which, an involuntary admission may be required using the appropriate local capacity.
