Psychiatry of Physical Health & Illness

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This unit aims to explore the relationship between physical and psychological health and illness. The key components of this relationship will be explored from both a theoretical and clinical perspective. These concepts include how psychological factors affect physical health, how physical illness can lead to psychological disturbance and the nature of somatisation. Common medical conditions with psychological associations will also be reviewed.

The activities of psychiatrists within general medical settings will be explored. This will include the clinical process of the consultation liaison assesment, the application of neuropsychological testing and the nature of interventions. Issues of communication, treatment adherence and relationship difficulties in medical settings will be addressed.

• Examine the relationship between physical health and psychological states
• Describe how psychological factors may affect physical health and illness
• Describe common organic psychiatric disorders
• Describe the major psychiatric disorders in which physical symptoms are a major component
• Appraise the role of psychiatry within the general hospital setting
• Examine how Consultation-Liaison interventions may affect physical and psychological outcomes

• A brief case study (1,500-words) derived for the students current placement, illustrating a number or principles in C-L psychiatry (40%)
• One 1.5-hour written examination (60%)

Rundell J R, Wise M G (1999) Essentials of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Press, Washington DC

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.