Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Services to an Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

Abstract

This paper describes the psychiatric consultation-liaison services provided to an Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. Clinical services are provided both by program consultation and by individual inpatient and outpatient referral. Clinical problems in obstetrics and gynecology that result in psychiatric referral are discussed. Research interests which play an important role in the program are described. Educational activities are directed toward ward and clinic staff, undergraduate medical students, residents and the practising specialist. The combination of well articulated consumer requests, interested gynecologists and obstetricians, broadened gynecology residency training objectives, and greater involvement of consultation-liaison psychiatrists suggests a promising future for psychosomatic obstetrics and gynecology.

A Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist as Liaison to OB/GYN Practice

“…I maintain an appointment calendar on site so that clinicians can schedule patient appointments with me easily and immediately at the time of referral with the patient present. This has helped facilitate timely referrals, an important consideration, as lack of or delay in referral for ill postpartum mothers has negative consequences for the patient and family (Stewart & Lippert, 1988).…”

“…Many OB/GYN problems can have mental health issues as a component (Stewart & Lippert, 1988). Common problems, in addition to the ones already discussed, include unwanted pregnancy, traumatic birth process, reproductive system cancer, sexual dysfunction, abortion, chronic pain in conditions such as vulvadynia, sexually transmitted diseases, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and premenstrual syndrome.…”

Psychosomatische Beschwerden und Anforderung psychosomatischer Konsile in der Frauenheilkunde

“…Über erste Erfahrungen mit einem Konsil-und Liaisondienst in der Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe berichtet Stotland 1985 [8], während Appleby et al 1989 [9] über ein Projekt in der Geburtshilfe berichten. Stewart und Lippert prognostizieren diesem Gebiet 1988 [10] eine ¹viel versprechende Zukunftª und erwarten als Folge gemeinsamer Weiterbildungen eine zunehmende Nachfrage nach Konsilen. 10 Jahre später fällt die Bilanz nüchterner aus.…”

Infertility by Choice or by Nature

“…Appropriate members of this team provide support to the couple during the women's hospitalization and discharge follow-up when required (22). It has been found helpful for women with stillbirths to be given the choice of seeing, touching and holding their baby or to be given a picture of their baby (21).…”