The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook Of Psychosomatic Medicine

Now a subspecialty formally approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties, psychosomatic medicine (also known as consultation-liaison psychiatry) deals with patients who have both psychiatric and general medical illnesses that complicate management, those with functional disorders, and those with psychiatric disorders resulting from a primary medical condition. Primarily US-based psychiatrists, but a few from elsewhere, have contributed 40 chapters, brought together by editor Levenson (Virginia Commonwealth University). Coverage begins with general principles in evaluation and management (including legal and ethical issues) and continues with specific symptoms and disorders, including delirium, dementia, aggression, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders, among others. Following are chapters on various specialties and subspecialties--e.g. heart, lung, gastrointestinal diseases; pediatrics; HIV/AIDS; dermatology; chronic fatigue; and endocrine disorders. The final section contains four contributions on various approaches to treatment: psychopharmacology, psychosocial treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, and palliative care. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)