Liaison Overview

Liaison Neuropsychiatry is the sub-specialty which provides Psychiatric, Neurological and Psychological treatment to Patients attending general hospitals, whether they attend out-patient clinics, AE emergency departments or are admitted to in-patient wards. Therefore it deals with the interface between physical and psychological health.

There is now abundant evidence that medical and surgical Patients have a high prevalence of Neuropsychiatric disorder which can be effectively treated with psychological or pharmacological methods. One quarter of all Patients admitted to hospital with a physical illness also have a mental health condition which, in most cases, does not receive necessary treatment while the Patient is in hospital.

Liaison Neuropsychiatric input must be considered in the following Patient groups:

1. Neurology

Patients suffering epilepsy often experience psychotic symptoms, memory problems and has a 6x increased suicide rate. Parkinson's Patients often hallucinate, Patients diagnosed with brain tumors need input from start to completed post-operative rehabilitation, not to mention the many needs of those who suffered brain injury or trauma, bleeds, dementia or MS.

2. Cardiology

Cardiovascular sufferers such as myocardial infarction (heart attacks) Patients and those with valve lesions or irregular beats (heart flutter) often suffer serious depressive and anxiety complications, and may even end up with vascular dementia. Much can be done to improve function, prevent complications to brain or mind or assist with rehabilitation after cardiac surgery.

3. Pulmonology

Patients with lung disease are renowned for developing secondary complications such as profound anxiety, depression, memory problems and insomnia. Additionally they often require extensive support when spending time in hospotal or ICU, and Neuropsychiatric help often is vital in such circumstances.

4. Oncology

Cancer sufferers often need Neuropsychiatric input when battling chronic illness conditions, chemo-related complications such as memory problems, fatigue, eating problems or nausea, whilst terminal situations necessitate the care of families and loved-ones.

5. Hematology

Systemic illness such as leukemia or lymphoma notoriously affect brain and mind. Memory problems, chemo-related side-effects, fatigue, depression, anxiety or suicide are common complications, whilst rehabilitation after bone-marrow transplant is vital.

6. Rheumatology

Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, and many other immunological systemic illnesses by definition affect brains detrimentally. SLE Patients often hallucinate, whilst immune suppression therapy such as steroids often cause mind symptoms such as depression, panic and memory problems. Many Rheumatological conditions require holistic pain management often best coordinated by Neuropsychiatric services.

7. Gynecology

Hormonal conditions, female cancers or infectious STD states often require intervention Neuropsychiatrically. Post-natal depression can be treated successfully, whilst brain medication often prove successful for menopausal emotional fluctuations.

8. Surgery

Post-operative complications such as delirium (confusion), abnormal pain conditions, depression or medication addiction often necessitate brain or mind input. Multi-trauma victims (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), those after joint replacement or with resulting weakness benefit from specialized and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

9. Urology

Patients developing Neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease and dementia often develop kidney and bladder problems such as repeated infection, which in tern may threaten their brain-function by causing delirium (confusion). Equally primary Urology patients may find Neuropsychiatric input very helpful when dealing with cancer scare such as prostate cancer etc.

10. Orthopedics

Many Orthopedic Patients suffered traumatic events, and Neuropsychiatric help is often pivotal in managing the acute circumstances, adjustment and later pain symptoms or nerve damage. Additionally Neuropsychiatric assessment is often very helpful in confirming diagnosis, and whether surgery is indicated or not.