How the mind impairs healing of the body. Properly diagnosing organic psychosyndrome
Supprian, T.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 144(37): 35-38; 40
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 12380337 Document Number: 549256
Psychological comorbidity is patients with systemic diseases is common and clinically relevant: mental disturbances can complicate the course of treatment of such diseases, and may aggravate somatic morbidity. The duration of hospital stay may be increased and thus has a negative economic impact. In the last resort, mortality is also increased by the appreciably elevated risk of suicide among patients with severe somatic illnesses. The evaluation of psychiatric problems in patients hospitalized for the treatment of internal illnesses is undertaken mainly by a consultant specialist. In addition to the diagnostic categorization of the psychological disorder presenting, and recommendations for treatment, an evaluation of potential suicidal intent is of central importance.