title: Liaison psychiatry in the West: the view from 1977.
abstract: Current status of consultation-liaison psychiatry in the West is reviewed. Its aims, functions, and scope in diagnosis and treatment of general hospital patients outside of psychiatric departments are described. A critical appraisal is made with regards to the triadic relationship of its participants. Its benefits vis-à-vis resistances are illuminated in the context of psychosocial process. Its role in research and medical education is recounted. Thoughts about its future developments are offered.
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000639:trends*; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends*; D012106:Research; D014481:United States