Abstract: The relationship between psychiatric morbidity and physical disease has been extensively documented in international literature, most of which faces methodological issues.

Based on a literature review of studies of prevalence of depression in physical disease, and after a brief analysis of the nature of the association between both of them, the authors built this paper in which they go through part of the methodological issues interest to this kind of investigation.

They end their work by proposing some guidelines to investigation.

Keywords: depression, medically ill; methodological issues

*Psychiatrist - Hospital do Conde de Ferreira, Porto - Portugal

The Importance of C/L Psychiatry in a Department of Cardiology

Abstract: The author emphasises the psychic complications that may occur in different somatic pathologies. Next, and according to some authors he defines some concepts such as somatization, psychosomatic illness, psychosomatic medicine and psychosomatic syndrome.

He goes on emphasising the importance of psycho-social factors in cardiac pathologies and the major importance of Psychiatric C/L in their study and therapy. The next step is to a specific action performed in a cardiology service, showing the frequent psychiatric syndromes in the described situations, the possible actions in the sphere of Psychiatric C/L (such as the pedagogical actions towards patients and technical staff), and the psychotherapies, giving special attention to group therapy.

He still characterises the type of group therapy he follows and the theory behind it.

The author concludes mentioning the importance of the Group Psychotherapy in the characterisation the personality of a patient suffering from myocardium infraction. He also draws a light characterisation of one in terms of Object Relations Theory and the primitive defence mechanisms created by such patients. Finally he focuses the importance of Psychiatry C/L when dealing with them.

Anxiety and Depression in Consultation-Liaison

Psychiatry and Primary Care: from epidemiology

to clinical practice

Myriam M.M.P. Van Moffaert, MD *

Summary: Mixed anxio-depressive states are the psychiatric disorder that is encountered most frequently in general practice.

Although the comorbidity of anxiety and depression has been extensively researched in its clinical, neurobiological and psychodynamic aspects, its explanation remains very much under discussion. The choice of drug treatment deserves special care, as the anxio-depressive disorder tends to become chronic, especially in women.

Abstract: Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a profound disturbance of body image and the relentless pursuit of thinness, often to the points of starvation. The disorder has been recognised for many decades, is much more prevalent in females than in males and usually has its onset in adolescence. DSM-IV has added two types of anorexia nervosa. The outcome of anorexia nervosa is variable. Given the complicated psychological and medical implications of anorexia nervosa, a comprehensive treatment plan, including hospitalisation when necessary and both individual and family therapy, is recommended. Behavioural, interpersonal, and cognitive approaches and, in some cases, medication should be considered.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioural approach.

* Resident of Psychiatry - Hospital Sobral Cid, Coimbra - Portugal.

Maria Manuel Chaves, MD *

Abstract: According to DSM-IV, bulimia nervosa is more prevalent than anorexia nervosa and consists of recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food accompanied by feeling of being out of control. The person also presents compensatory behaviours, such purging, self-induced vomiting, repeated laxative use, or diuretic use, fasting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. Treatment of bulimia nervosa consists of various interventions, including individual psychotherapy with a cognitive-behavioural approach, group therapy and pharmacotherapy.

Keywords: bulimia nervosa, individual psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural approach, group therapy, and pharmacotherapy.

* Resident of Psychiatry - Hospital Sobral Cid, Coimbra - Portugal