The Maudsley Practice Guidelines for Physical Health Conditions in Psychiatry

Synopsis

Learn to improve your assessment, investigation, and management of physical health conditions in people with severe mental illness

The Maudsley Practice Guidelines for Physical Health Conditions in Psychiatry offers psychiatric and general practitioners an evidence-based and practical guide for the appropriate assessment, investigation, and management of common physical health conditions seen in people with severe mental illness. Written by a renowned team of respected experts in medicine, surgery, pharmacy, dietetics, physiotherapy, and psychiatry, the book bridges the gap between psychiatric and physical health services for the severely mentally ill.

The Maudsley Practice Guidelines for Physical Health Conditions in Psychiatry also provides practitioners with expert guidance on making effective referrals to other medical and surgical subspecialties, telling readers what information subspecialties would expect to receive. Its use will improve the quality of clinical care received by mentally ill patients and, by promoting a holistic approach to treatment that considers both body and mind, will enhance the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner.

The Maudsley Practice Guidelines for Physical Health Conditions in Psychiatry covers the following:

• Guidance on assessment and management of well over a hundred different medical and surgical presentations commonly seen in people with serious mental illness
• Management of physical health emergencies in a psychiatric setting
• Evidence-based approaches to management of physical side effects of psychiatric medications
• Advice on approaches to promote a healthy lifestyle in people with serious mental illness, such as smoking cessation and changes to diet and physical activity

Perfect for both psychiatrists and general practitioners who wish to improve the quality of care they provide to people with serious mental illness, The Maudsley Practice Guidelines for Physical Health Conditions in Psychiatry will be of use to anyone setting out to navigate the divide between the treatment of psychiatric and physical health conditions.

Read more

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

* Presents the rationale for addressing physical health conditions in psychiatry, including the high prevalence among psychiatric patients and its impact on health outcomes.
* Example: A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing significant weight gain and metabolic syndrome, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Chapter 2: Assessment and Management of Cardiovascular Conditions

* Provides guidance on assessing cardiovascular risk, diagnosing and managing conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
* Example: A patient with schizophrenia has high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels; a physical examination and blood tests reveal hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Chapter 3: Assessment and Management of Diabetes

* Outlines the assessment and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
* Example: A patient with depression is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; the Maudsley Practice Guidelines provide guidance on monitoring their blood sugar levels, prescribing metformin, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

Chapter 4: Assessment and Management of Respiratory Conditions

* Covers the diagnosis and management of common respiratory conditions in psychiatric patients, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
* Example: A patient with psychosis experiences shortness of breath and wheezing; lung function tests and chest X-rays reveal asthma and a smoking history.

Chapter 5: Assessment and Management of Gastrointestinal Conditions

* Provides guidance on assessing and treating gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
* Example: A patient with anxiety disorder is experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea; a physical examination and blood tests suggest IBS.

Chapter 6: Assessment and Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

* Focuses on the assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain and disorders, including low back pain, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
* Example: A patient with depression has chronic low back pain; a physical examination and X-rays reveal degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, requiring pain management and physical therapy.

Chapter 7: Assessment and Management of Genitourinary Conditions

* Provides guidance on the assessment and treatment of genitourinary conditions, including urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and prostate diseases.
* Example: A patient with schizophrenia has a history of urinary tract infections; frequent urinalyses and appropriate antibiotics are recommended.

Chapter 8: Assessment and Management of Skin Conditions

* Outlines the assessment and management of common skin conditions in psychiatric patients, including eczema, psoriasis, and infectious skin disorders.
* Example: A patient with bipolar disorder develops a rash on their face; a dermatologist is consulted, and the rash is diagnosed as eczema and treated with topical steroids.

Chapter 9: Assessment and Management of Neurological Conditions

* Covers the assessment and management of neurological disorders in psychiatric patients, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
* Example: A patient with schizophrenia experiences seizures; an electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI confirm a diagnosis of epilepsy and anticonvulsant medication is prescribed.

Chapter 10: Assessment and Management of Cancer

* Addresses the screening, diagnosis, and management of cancer in psychiatric patients, given their increased risk of developing physical health conditions.
* Example: A patient with postpartum depression is diagnosed with breast cancer; the Maudsley Practice Guidelines provide guidance on coordinating psychiatric and oncology care.