What it is
People with medical illnesses are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia and delirium. Sometimes the psychiatric symptom is a reaction to being ill; sometimes it is caused by the illness itself, as in hormonal, neurological and autoimmune disease; sometimes it is a medication effect, as with corticosteroids and some cancer treatments.
Dr. Petrus Raulino led the Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Service at Hospital Vera Cruz from 2010 to 2021, with more than 800 psychiatric consultations in the emergency room, wards and ICU requested by doctors from many specialties. Before psychiatry, he completed a residency in General Surgery and worked in intensive care.
Common situations
- Depression and anxiety after a heart attack, stroke or cancer diagnosis
- Psychiatric symptoms in thyroid, neurological and autoimmune diseases
- Mood and sleep changes caused by medications
- Confusion (delirium) during hospital stays and after surgery
- Chronic pain with depression and insomnia
- Fear and anxiety before surgery and procedures
How the assessment works
The assessment integrates psychiatric history with the medical illness, tests and all current medications. Contact with the treating doctor, such as the cardiologist, oncologist or neurologist, helps choose the safest treatment.
Treatment
- Medications chosen with attention to interactions and medical conditions such as kidney, liver and heart function
- Psychotherapy and support for coping with illness
- Adjusting medical drugs that cause symptoms, together with the treating doctor
- Family guidance
When to see a psychiatrist
When sadness, anxiety, insomnia or behavioral changes appear or worsen with a medical illness or treatment and get in the way of recovery or quality of life.
Follow-up at the practice
At the practice in Campinas, Dr. Petrus Raulino works with an integrated clinical view and, when needed, talks with the patient’s other doctors. He is also on the medical staff of Hospital Vera Cruz and Hospital São Luiz Rede D’Or Campinas.
Staging: text awaiting medical review by Dr. Petrus before publishing.
This content is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an individual assessment. In crisis or having thoughts of suicide? In Brazil call 188 (CVV, 24 hours, free) or go to the nearest emergency room. In an emergency, call 192 (SAMU).