Chapter 27 - Psychotherapy for the hospitalized medically ill patient

Summary

Medical illness, generally, and hospitalization, in particular, pose significant psychological challenges to the patient and the patient's family. The role of the consultation-liaison staff is to sort out complex presenting problems and to determine who needs intervention: the patient, the patient's support network, or the hospital staff. This chapter focuses on assessment and intervention strategies. Patients with longstanding interpersonal difficulties can often bring their propensities for conflict into the hospital with them. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-validated therapy for a wide range of clinical conditions. The brief therapy may involve helping staff and patient cooperate with one another more effectively. Communication style is a key intervention focus in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for medical problems. Interventions may be necessary in any of these areas, including the pharmacologic management of the patient. For this reason, a consultation-liaison team, whose personnel can provide services in any of these areas, is optimal.