Somatically ill patients often also suffer from psychological symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment of these symptoms and their underlying psychiatric disorders are the task of consultation-liaison psychiatry. In this publication the latest developments, such as psychiatric comorbidity in general hospital inpatients as well as mental disorders in the outpatient setting, and special disorders like depression, alcohol abuse, and delirium, are discussed. One chapter on suicide attempts delineates the results and experiences from the 'German Competency Network on Depression'. The important topic of somatoform disorders in outpatient and inpatient settings is also reviewed. Non-German readers are usually are not aware that, in Germany, there are two distinct board-certified physician specialties dealing with patients with psychiatric illnesses, usually referred to as 'psychiatrists' and 'psychosomaticists'. In the 'Debate Section' succinct viewpoints are presented to enable the reader to decide whether this dichotomy is helpful or not in the clinical care of patients with psychiatric and somatic comorbidity. This publication is essential reading for psychiatrists, psychosomaticists, psychotherapists, geriatricians, psychologists, internists and health care planners. Also medical students and non-psychiatrists who want to broaden their view on how modern psychiatry can assist in the care of their patients will find it of special interest.

This authoritative reference surveys mind-body healing concepts and psychosomatic medicine in diverse countries and regions of the world. It provides practical insights on the Western division between medical and mental healing and useful information concerning recent efforts to bridge that enduring divide, particularly in the use of ancient and indigenous healing knowledge in psychosomatic practice. Coverage compares and contrasts current applications of psychosomatic medicine and/or consultation-liaison psychiatry as conducted in such representative countries as France, Britain, China, India, Argentina, Canada, and the United States. And the book predicts how this synthesis of traditions and advances will progress as it: Traces the history and development of psychosomatic medicine. Reviews contributions of traditional healing methods to psychosomatic medicine. Analyzes national styles of psychosomatic medicine as practiced in specific countries. Compares the status of psychosomatic medicine / consultation-liaison psychiatry in various countries. Considers the future of psychosomatic medicine as the field, and the world, evolves. Global Psychosomatic Medicine and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry expands the knowledge base for psychiatrists, primary care physicians, psychiatric and primary care residents, medical students, behavioral medicine specialists, and others who are interested global and regional perspective on providing biopsychosocial care. It is also relevant for advanced students in health psychology and behavioral medicine, and for professionals in related health fields.

A comprehensive and practically oriented review of consultation-liaison psychiatry, covering clinical practice and service development.

Be Guided by the Evidence... Somatoform disorders are more common than many clinicians realize and are often underdiagnosed and poorly managed. This practical guide provides a comprehensive overview of all somatoform disorders. It aims to enable the mental health practitioner to properly diagnose and manage the disorders as well as to provide the appropriate advice to colleagues of other medical disciplines. Somatoform Disorders offers: * Detailed coverage of the concepts of each disorder: diagnosis, classification, co-morbidities and course and outcome * An outline of clinical, biological and psychosocial research in the area * An overview of clinical management and future perspectives * The unique series format of systematic reviews followed by commentaries Somatoform Disorders is the ninth volume of the WPA Series "Evidence and Experience in Psychiatry. The book is an unbiased and reliable reference point for all psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses and policy makers.