Abstract
The relationship between physical health and mental health is both causally directed in both directions and extremely complex. This is partly as a result of the Cartesian dichotomy between the mind and body, and in many health care delivery services a clear distinction between psychiatric and physical health services has led to the isolation of psychiatry from medicine, even though medicine is an integral part of psychiatry. This tension often leads to unnecessary investigations and difficulties in managing patients who may have chronic conditions. This separation influences the physical health of psychiatric patients, who are more likely to live shorter lives and develop chronic conditions as a result of their medication. Thus it is critical that physicians and psychiatrists are aware of the expertise of the other, so that patients benefit from an integrated care model. This volume, part of a series on clinical manuals and now in its second edition, succeeds in filling this gap. Subtitled ‘A guide to consultation liaison psychiatry’, the volume has 28 chapters. The first few chapters look at effective psychiatric consultation; the authors emphasize effective psychiatric consultants and list the characteristics, which will be extremely useful for trainees. This is followed by a chapter on medico-legal matters, which may be of limited interest outside the USA, but general ethical principles related to restraint and seclusion will still apply. Assessment of mental state and cognitive examination and personality, along with assessment of suicidality, complete the first part of the book. The second part provides an overview on a number of syndromes, including anxiety, delirium, dementia, eating disorders, mood disorders, sleep disorders, somatoform disorders and substance-related disorders. The third part includes chapters on biological treatments and psychosocial management. The fourth and final part highlights liaison matters related to physical disorders according to specific systems. The book is well written and a helpful guide for all those who are interested in the field. Each chapter is well signposted with clear headings and sub-headings, and there is plenty here to read, absorb and act on.