Psychiatric, psychosomatic and medical psychological consultation and liaison activity in West Germany. Results of a survey

Results of the first survey of consultation/liaison psychiatry and psychosomatics in the Federal Republic of Germany are presented and discussed. All departments and units of psychiatry, psychosomatics and medical psychology were asked to fill in a questionnaire, characterizing the institution in question, the type and degree of cooperation with somatic units and the experiences made therewith, as well as special issues like the use of data bases and diagnosis, questions of organization, professional training and research in C/L work. The 177 institutions which replied (67% of the total of 263 institutions addressed) can be regarded as representative for those institutions which are involved in consultation/liaison work. As compared with psychiatry, psychosomatic (and medical psychology) departments are especially involved in C/L-work. Due to insufficient financing and relative neglect as concerns research and professional training and exchange, C/L-work in the Federal Republic of Germany at present is far from providing general hospital inpatients with the mental health care required, as indicated by prevalence estimates. Reasons for this are discussed and suggestions as to minimal standards of C/L-care are provided.