Psychological Management of the Physically Ill

Virtually all contemporary physicians would accept the sentiment that there is an emotional component to physical illness. Most would agree that mental matters may determine, or be implicated in, the aetiology of illness, or, at least, may influence the course of it. Few, however, would have the confidence to square the circle and attempt usefully to harness feelings, both declared and denied, in treatment. This volume is intended to be a sourcebook for the few and an encouragement for the many. In clinical practice, physical and psychiatric disorders commonly occur together. A number of surveys have shown that between a third and a half of patients, both when attending the surgery and when admitted to a ward, have a co-existing psychiatric illness or concurrent emotional distress. This book aims to provide a practical manual of treatments in sufficient detail to allow critical examination and, if necessary replication. Intended primarily for the practising clinician, the scientific orientation of the contributors has resulted in presentations which should make it of interest to the academic also.
The contributors declare their treatment philosophies, but overall the predominant theme of each chapter is the practical implementation of treatment. Most chapters have clinical vignettes and case examples, and each contributor has successfully practised the treatments described and all have warned against painting on a broad canvas models of treatment designed to encompass every disorder. The chapters of the book reflect variations in psychiatric convictions and treatments. This results in diverse emphasis and at times conflicting recommendations on fundamental issues. Some contributors try to de-mystify the doctor by, for example, advocating group treatments; others lay stress on the power of the traditional clinician. These discrepancies stem from different models of aetiology. The book highlights a number of unanswered questions and issues for future debate. Certain methods of treatment have been covered by more than one author, thus enabling the reader to exercise some selection in the methods he or she wishes to use.
 
Virtually all contemporary physicians would accept the sentiment that there is an emotional component to physical illness. Most would agree that mental matters may determine, or be implicated in, the aetiology of illness, or, at least, may influence the course of it. Few, however, would have the confidence to square the circle and attempt usefully to harness feelings, both declared and denied, in treatment. This volume is intended to be a sourcebook for the few and an encouragement for the many. In clinical practice, physical and psychiatric disorders commonly occur together. A number of surveys have shown that between a third and a half of patients, both when attending the surgery and when admitted to a ward, have a co-existing psychiatric illness or concurrent emotional distress. This book aims to provide a practical manual of treatments in sufficient detail to allow critical examination and, if necessary replication. Intended primarily for the practising clinician, the scientific orientation of the contributors has resulted in presentations which should make it of interest to the academic also.
The contributors declare their treatment philosophies, but overall the predominant theme of each chapter is the practical implementation of treatment. Most chapters have clinical vignettes and case examples, and each contributor has successfully practised the treatments described and all have warned against painting on a broad canvas models of treatment designed to encompass every disorder. The chapters of the book reflect variations in psychiatric convictions and treatments. This results in diverse emphasis and at times conflicting recommendations on fundamental issues. Some contributors try to de-mystify the doctor by, for example, advocating group treatments; others lay stress on the power of the traditional clinician. These discrepancies stem from different models of aetiology. The book highlights a number of unanswered questions and issues for future debate. Certain methods of treatment have been covered by more than one author, thus enabling the reader to exercise some selection in the methods he or she wishes to use.