Variability of judgments of capacity: experience of capacity evaluators in a study of research consent capacity.

Background: Assessment of decision-making capacity is a common and important function of psychiatric consultants. However, the sources of variability in evaluators' judgments have not been well characterized.

Objective: To examine the degree and potential sources of variability in the categorical capacity judgments of experienced psychiatrists.

Tackling the global mental health challenge: a psychosomatic medicine/consultation-liaison psychiatry perspective.

Background: Consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry, informed by principles of psychosomatic medicine, is well-positioned to address the global impact of mental disorders through primary care C-L models.

Objective/method: The authors review the international burden of mental disorders, highlighting medical comorbidity, undertreatment, and the rationale for enhancing primary-care management.

Results: C-L psychiatry fosters the skills required for global mental health work.

Existential issues in group psychotherapy.

Existential issues in group psychotherapy derive from existential thought both as a philosophy and as a value system. Its origins derive from the weakening of traditional values and the growing alienation of man from himself. The unique features of existentialism can be applied to all forms of therapy.