THE ACADEMY-OF-PSYCHOSOMATIC-MEDICINE PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR PSYCHIATRIC-CONSULTATION IN THE GENERAL MEDICAL SETTING

This practice guideline seeks to provide guidance to psychiatrists who regularly evaluate and manage patients with medical illnesses. The gu ideline is intended to delineate the knowledge base, professional expe rtise, and integrated clinical approach necessary was drafted by a wor k group consisting of psychiatrists with clinical and research experti se in the field, who undertook a comprehensive review of the literatur e. The guideline was reviewed by the executive council of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine and revised prior to final approval. Some of the topics discussed include qualifications of C-L consultants, patie nt assessment, psychiatric interventions (e.g., psychotherapy, pharmac otherapy), medicolegal issues, and child and adolescent consultations.