Handbook in psychiatry

Abstract

This handbook has been prepared to help orientate you during the Psychiatry Module. It will guide you to your lecture programme and seminar programme and your respective clinical assignments, tutorials, and special visits. You are advised how to make arrangements to clerk patients, visit the psychiatric unit and accompany the clinical psychologist, social worker and occupational therapist. Learning objectives are outlined. You will be requested to keep a log book and a check list to ensure that a wide variety of disorders are seen. Interviewing techniques, mental state examinations and formulations, general management and treatment are explained. A basic psychiatric classification and explanation of these disorders is included, as well as some important signs and symptoms. However this should be supplemented by further reading. A glossary of psychiatric terminology at the end of the Handbook should help you decode the language of psychiatry. It is intended that the Handbook shall be updated as necessary in future. I sincerely hope that you will not only learn and benefit from the various tutors, staff and patients but that you will enjoy the time spent with us and that some of you may eventually be attracted to our caring profession.