Consultation liaison psychiatry in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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Somatically ill patients frequently experience psychological symptoms, necessitating the expertise of consultation-liaison psychiatry for diagnosis and treatment. This publication explores recent advancements in understanding psychiatric comorbidity among general hospital inpatients and mental disorders in outpatient contexts, addressing issues like depression, alcohol abuse, and delirium. A dedicated chapter on suicide attempts shares findings from the 'German Competency Network on Depression.' Additionally, the publication reviews somatoform disorders in both outpatient and inpatient environments. It highlights a unique aspect of the German healthcare system, where two distinct board-certified specialties—'psychiatrists' and 'psychosomaticists'—focus on psychiatric illnesses. The 'Debate Section' presents concise viewpoints on whether this division is beneficial for managing patients with psychiatric and somatic comorbidity. This work is crucial for psychiatrists, psychosomaticists, psychotherapists, geriatricians, psychologists, internists, and health care planners. It will also appeal to medical students and non-psychiatrists interested in modern psychiatric approaches to patient care.