Preventive Medical Care in Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians

By Robert M. McCarron, this practical guide is designed for psychiatrists in training and clinical practice, as well as healthcare providers seeking an evidence-based approach to prevent common, treatable, and potentially deadly illnesses in their patients.

The Importance of Preventive Medical Care in Psychiatry

Individuals with serious mental illnesses face a higher risk of general medical comorbidities, receive minimal preventive medical services, and have a reduced life expectancy of up to 30 years compared to the general population. Moreover, bidirectional interactions between chronic medical illnesses and mental disorders are well-documented, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to patient care.

Treating the whole person, rather than the disorder in isolation, is critical to improving outcomes and reducing suffering. This book provides a comprehensive resource for clinicians to adopt an integrated model of care, aligning with the Affordable Care Act’s push for better patient care.

A Practical Guide to Preventive Psychiatry

The book’s logical structure makes it easy to use, with sections devoted to:

• General principles of preventive psychiatry
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Infections disorders
• Oncologic disorders
• Special topics, including child, adolescent, and geriatric populations, as well as strategies for assessing and managing chronic pain

In addition, the book provides:

• Evidence-based approaches to care across the prevention spectrum, from primary prevention to tertiary prevention
• Guidance on effective interface with general medical practitioners and conducting screenings for common medical problems
• Strategies for ensuring preventive measures, such as vaccinations, are performed
• A health questionnaire, Preventive Medicine in Psychiatry (PMAP), for use in screening and follow-up, and a handy summary of age-based preventive medicine recommendations

A Critical Resource for Clinicians

Preventive Medical Care in Psychiatry: A Practical Guide for Clinicians is an indispensable resource for mental health practitioners committed to improving the quality of life and longevity for patients with serious mental illnesses. By adopting an integrated approach to care, clinicians can make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

Twenty-five percent of royalties support Resident-Fellow Members (RFM) within the California Psychiatric Association.

Product Details:

• Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing
• Publication Date: April 1, 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781585624799, 9781585625468