Liaison child and adolescent psychiatry

Abstract

Liaison child and adolescent psychiatry has been described as the “partnership of child psychiatrists, paediatricians and other specialities concerned with children to provide integrated medical and psychological care for children” (Black et al, 1990). Although liaison work conjures up visions of the psychiatrist on the paediatric ward, it may also involve collaboration with community paediatric and primary care services. Indeed, the number of different professionals that may be involved with even quite mildly ill children is large (see Box 1). Much of the work is indirect (e.g. consultation with other professionals), but this and direct therapeutic work with children and families may continue long after discharge from the paediatric wards and clinics.

Effects of chronic illness on children and their families

“…As has been noted previously (Cottrell & Worrall, 1995),the burden of disclosing the diagnosis of a chronic disease tends to be shouldered by paediatricians. It is also true that paediatricians are often comfortable in dealing with many of the more routine behavioural and emotional problems that can occur among these children or their families.…”

Psiquiatría de Enlace y Medicina Psicosomática Infanto Juvenil en un Hospital Clínico-Docente

“…A pesar de que la mayoría de los NNA con enfermedades médicas son resilientes, los efectos de la enfermedad pueden empeorar el funcionamiento diario, la autoestima, el estado de ánimo y la calidad de vida del paciente, generando un impacto en la enfermedad misma, en su familia y también en su desempeño global 13 . En este escenario, la PEIJ cumple el rol de evaluar y tratar el impacto de la vivencia de la enfermedad en el NNA y su familia, favoreciendo una más pronta recuperación del cuadro médico de base y mejorando con ello la calidad de vida de todos los afectados por esta condición 11,13,14,15 .…”