Psychiatry Algorithms for Primary Care

Foreword by Professor Christopher Dowrick BA MSc MD FRCGP

INTRODUCTION

1. How to use this book

2. History Taking

3. The Rapid Mental State Examination

COMMON PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

4. Generalised Anxiety Disorder

5. Panic Disorder

6. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

7. Social Phobia

8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

9. Depression

10. Bipolar Affective Disorder

11. Psychosis/Schizophrenia

12. Eating Disorders

13. Personality Disorders

14. Alcohol Use Disorder

15. Substance Use Disorder

16. Opiate Use Disorder

17. Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

18. Autism Spectrum Disorder

19. Delirium

20. Dementia

COMMON PRESENTATIONS IN PRIMARY CARE

21. Fatigue

22. Insomnia

23. Medically Unexplained Symptoms

COMPLEX SCENARIOS

24. Self-Harm and Suicide

25. Aggression

26. Referrals for Involuntary Care

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PRESCRIBING

27. Older Adults

28. Children

29. People with Intellectual Disabilities

30. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

APPENDICES

31. Commonly Prescribed Drugs

32. Physical Health in Patients with Severe Mental Illness(psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)

SELF ASSESSMENT

Psychiatry Algorithms for Primary Care is a practical, quick reference guide to psychiatric assessment and mental healthcare in general practice. Providing algorithms informed by evidence-based guidelines, this easy-to-use resource helps busy medical and healthcare professionals quickly assess mental health problems, make informed treatment decisions, and understand when referrals to specialist mental health services are appropriate. Drawing from their extensive experience in general practice and psychiatry, the authors provide clear and authoritative guidance on a wide range of common psychiatric disorders, complex scenarios, and special considerations.  

Unique visual management algorithms define assessment, diagnosis, investigations and management for each condition, including Bipolar Affective Disorder, Psychosis, Depression, Dementia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Up-to-date information on medication choices and counselling strategies is found throughout the text. Designed for informing swift clinical decisions in demanding primary care settings, this indispensable reference guide:  

• Conforms to the diagnostic criteria in the current edition of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases 
• Contains algorithms informed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines 
• Explores common complaints that can suggest psychological or psychiatric disorders, such as insomnia and fatigue 
• Outlines special mental health considerations related to children, intellectual disability, autism, the elderly, and pregnancy 
• Includes appendices covering commonly prescribed drugs and physical examinations for patients with severe mental illness 
• Features numerous self-assessment questions and links to online reference tools for General Practitioners 

Psychiatry Algorithms for Primary Care is a much-needed resource for medical students and trainees, physicians and healthcare professionals in general practice, nurse practitioners, and practitioners in other fields such as urgent care and emergency medicine.

GAUTAM GULATI is Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Ireland. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, and current Chair of the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry at the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

WALTER CULLEN is Professor of Urban General Practice, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland. He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and Irish College of General Practitioners.

BRENDAN KELLY is Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Consultant Psychiatrist, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, and Visiting Full Professor at University College Dublin. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, and Trinity College Dublin.