Diagnosing demoralization in consultation psychiatry.
Demoralization, a normal response to adversity, is commonly seen in medical and surgical patients referred for psychiatric consultation. Demoralization should be distinguished from adjustment disorders and other pathological conditions--a process that would be facilitated if demoralization, like grief, were given a V code in DSM. Although the primary responsibility for treating demoralization rests with the patient's physician, the consulting psychiatrist must make an accurate diagnosis and begin the process of supportive psychotherapy.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287-5371, USA.
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Slavney
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009013:Morale; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011570:Psychiatry; D012803:Sick Role