Are psychological skills necessary in treating all physical disorders?

Objective: To explore both the wider issue of the need for psychological skills in the management of all physical disorders and that of the role of liaison psychiatry in providing care and in working with medical colleagues.

Method: The author draws on the literature in general, and specifically on his extensive research and clinical experience of patients with acute and chronic physical symptoms and associated psychological symptoms, particularly accident victims and those with chest pain and diabetes. He also draws on his experience in establishing national and international organizations for consultation-liaison psychiatry.

Results: It is argued that psychological skills are fundamental in the management of all physical disorders.

Conclusions: Liaison psychiatry must ensure that psychological skills are part of the treatment of all physical disorders.