ABC of psychological medicine: Beginning treatment

doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7354.33

BMJ 2002;325:33-35 ( 6 July )

Clinical review

ABC of psychological medicine

Beginning treatment

Jonathan Price, Laurence Leaver.

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Traditionally, the management of newly presenting patients has two stages $---$ assessment and then treatment. However, this twostage approach has limitations. When underlying disease pathologyis diagnosed there may be delays in starting effective treatment.If no disease is found reassurance is often ineffective. In bothcases many patients are left feeling uncertain and dissatisfied.Lack of immediate information and agreed plans may mean that patientsand their families become anxious and draw inappropriate conclusions,and an opportunity to engage them fully in their management ismissed.
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If simple diagnosis is supplemented with fuller explanation, patient satisfaction and outcomes are improved. This can be achievedby integrating assessment and treatment. The aim of an integratedconsultation is that the patient leaves with a clear understandingof the likely diagnosis, feeling that concerns have been addressed,and knowledge of the treatment and prognosis (that is, the assessmentbecomes part of the . . . [Full text of this article]

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