(186) Psychosomatics to Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: A Historical Review of the Field
Abstract: Background/Significance:
The field of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry sits at an exciting interface between disciplines of psychiatry and medicine. Unlike other medical consultation services, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry is a field unto itself, with unique skills apart from general psychiatry. The specialty was officially formed in 1920’s, generally known as Psychosomatic Medicine, though changed names recently in 2017 to Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry for further clarity. While these changes in name are well known, what is not always appreciated is the rich history specific to the field. This poster will concisely trace this history, starting with early models of medicine that eventually led to what was called psychosomatic medicine. We will examine the influence of early thinking of psychoanalysis on early 20th century theories about the mind/body interface on psychosomatic medicine. With these foundations, the field sprung into its own right in the 1920's-30's, exemplified in the creation of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine in 1939, with a specific statement defining the field. We will review how development throughout the 20th century to present day and highlight both notable contributions as well as important questions in our specialty.
Methods:
We will conduct a literature search using both Pubmed and PEP web on the history of Consultation Liaison psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine.
Discussion:
The field of CL psychiatry has an abundant history with roots in psychiatry, medicine and also influenced by disciplines of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. This poster will trace the history of the field of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, providing a foundation for placing the field in its important historical context at the intersection of these many fields.
References:
1. Alexander F: The development of psychosomatic medicine. Psychosom Med 1962; 24:13–24.
2. Boland R.J, Rundell, J, Epstein S, Gitlin D. Consultation Liaison Psychiatry vs Psychosomatic Medicine:
What’s in a Name? Psychosomatics. 2018; 59: 207-210.
3. Lipowski ZJ. What does the word "psychosomatic" really mean? A historical and semantic inquiry. Psychosom Med. 1984 Mar-Apr;46(2):153-71. doi: 10.1097/00006842-198403000-00007. PMID: 6371870.
4. Lipsitt DR: Foundations of consultation-liaison Psychiatry: the bumpy road to specialization. Routledge; 2016