A quick reference for the hospital practice of psychiatric medicine

Based on print ed. Contains most frequently encountered problems in clinical settings & offers practical suggestions on how to obtain information, generate reasonable differential diagnoses, discriminate among diagnoses, and document clinical decisions.

DESCRIPTION

The Washington Manual® Psychiatry Survival Guide prepared by Washington University house staff and faculty, this handy guide is a quick reference for the hospital practice of psychiatric medicine in the inpatient psychiatric, consultation, and emergency settings. It addresses the most frequently encountered problems in these clinical settings and offers practical suggestions on how to obtain information, generate reasonable differential diagnoses, discriminate among diagnoses, and document clinical decisions.

Coverage includes style pointers on patient interview skills and clinical reasoning algorithms for the emergency setting. This electronic guide offers valuable assistance in documenting patient encounters in difficult medical-legal situations.

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Content

The Washington Manual of Psychiatry, a concise and practical guide, serves as a valuable resource for medical students, residents, practicing physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and management of psychiatric disorders. Its compact format facilitates quick access to essential information, making it an ideal companion for clinical rounds, emergency room consultations, and on-call situations.

The manual begins with a foundational overview of psychiatric assessment, emphasizing the importance of a thorough history, including the patient's presenting complaint, past psychiatric history, medical history, family history, social history, and a comprehensive mental status examination. This initial assessment forms the bedrock for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Subsequent chapters delve into specific psychiatric disorders, categorized according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Each chapter typically begins with a brief overview of the disorder, including its epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria. This is followed by a discussion of treatment options, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), are addressed in detail. The manual outlines the various subtypes of these disorders, highlighting the nuances in their clinical presentations and treatment approaches. It also discusses the importance of assessing for suicidal ideation and implementing appropriate safety measures.

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, are explored comprehensively. The manual emphasizes the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions in the management of these disorders. It also provides guidance on the appropriate use of anxiolytic medications.

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, are covered extensively. The manual describes the characteristic symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms. It also provides a detailed overview of antipsychotic medications, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential side effects.

Substance use disorders, encompassing both substance-induced disorders and substance use disorders, are addressed in a dedicated section. The manual outlines the diagnostic criteria for various substance use disorders and discusses the principles of detoxification, rehabilitation, and relapse prevention.

Personality disorders, characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from cultural expectations, are also explored. The manual describes the different clusters of personality disorders and provides guidance on their management.

Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are discussed in detail. The manual emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, involving medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions.

Neurocognitive disorders, such as delirium and dementia, are covered comprehensively. The manual outlines the diagnostic criteria for these disorders and discusses the various etiologies, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Sleep-wake disorders, including insomnia, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, and breathing-related sleep disorders, are addressed in a dedicated section. The manual provides guidance on the evaluation and management of these disorders.

The manual also includes chapters on special populations, such as children and adolescents, older adults, and pregnant and postpartum women. These chapters address the unique challenges and considerations involved in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric disorders in these populations.

Finally, the manual concludes with a section on legal and ethical issues in psychiatry, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the duty to warn. This section provides practical guidance on navigating these complex issues in clinical practice.

The Washington Manual of Psychiatry serves as an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals seeking concise and practical information on the diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders. Its comprehensive coverage, user-friendly format, and emphasis on evidence-based practice make it an essential tool for clinicians at all levels of training and experience.