Psychiatry and the practice of medicine: the need to integrate psychiatry into comprehensive medical care

Abstract

Psychiatric problems are common in general medical practice and strongly influence medical utilization. A number of studies have shown the positive effects of psychiatric interventions for both medical inpatients and outpatients. Unfortunately, historic and economic forces have tended to keep the medical and mental health components of care separated. This paper presents information supporting the need to reintegrate psychiatry into medical practice. Such reintegration will require a shift in the location of mental health clinicians into the primary care setting, a change in the curriculum of medical residents, and a clearer definition of the role of psychiatry in relation to the other mental health professions.