General hospital psychiatry
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The role of hypnosis as a tool in the treatment of problems commonly encountered among medical and surgical patients is examined. Hypnosis is defined as a change in state of mind far more akin to intense concentration than sleep. ⋯ Uses of hypnosis in treating anxiety, pain, childbirth, psychosomatic symptoms, seizure disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, and habits are described and evaluated. The phenomenon of hypnosis is presented as a means of exploring the mind-body relationship in a controlled fashion, providing information of diagnostic importance while at the same time allowing hypnotizable patients to intensify their concentration and interpersonal receptivity in the service of a therapeutic goal.
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · Dec 1981
Emergency psychiatry in the general hospital: staffing, training, and leadership issues.
Psychiatric services in general medical hospitals have increased in the past two decades. More and more, emergency services are being used for less urgent problems, and have created difficulties in health care delivery for all physicians. This is especially true for psychiatrists, since emergency psychiatric care is more time - and staff-intensive, and the need for it is unpredictable. The important issues of staffing, training, and the need for creative leadership for emergency psychiatric services are discussed.
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Psychiatric liaison activities and intervention on a burn unit are described. The authors review the psychiatrist's interventions with regard to unhealthy staff denial; educating staff about psychiatric issues; facilitating improved staff-patient communication; and helping nurses manage patients' inappropriate sexual behavior.