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Roger G. Kathol, M.D. & Suzanne
Gatteau
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Here to order the book.
It doesn't make sense to treat Dan's bleeding ulcer
without attention to the depression that spurs him to drink alcohol
excessively, which contributes to ulcer development. Nor is it
prudent to ignore Nancy's anxiety that prevents her from following
through on chemotherapy for breast cancer. The connections are
obvious, yet today connecting treatments for body and mind is
a rare occurrence. Mental health and substance-abuse assessments
and interventions are separated by the payment mechanics of health
plans, which encourage independent delivery of services. Dr.
Kathol, a veteran internist and psychiatrist, shows the physical,
emotional, social, economic and legal effects of what he calls "headless
health care." He illustrates with patient stories the profound
impact that emotional issues and/or psychiatric disorders have
on physical health and, conversely, the impact medical illness
has on mental health.
This book begins with stories of real patients
suffering with concurrent behavioral and physical disorders who
are forced to navigate a health care system that fosters what
Kathol calls inferior care, escalating the costs and perpetuating
personal impairment. He calls for health system reorganization
wherein behavioral health becomes an integral part of physical
health--integrated health care. The text provides:
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Historical context about
mental health problems and their treatment
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Understanding of the interaction
between physical and mental health
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Insights into process changes
needed to create an effective integrated system
Cartesian Solutions, Inc.™
3004 Foxpoint Rd. - Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 952-426-1626 - Fax: 952-426-1200
E-mail: integration@cartesiansolutions.com
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