APA Dictionary of Psychology

the subspecialty of psychiatry focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric disorders in patients being treated primarily for medical or surgical conditions. In consultation-liasison psychiatry, clinicians work collaboratively with other medical teams, providing expert advice (consultation) and integrating psychiatric care into overall medical management (liaison). It addresses psychiatric comorbidities, delirium, mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment reactions, and behavioral issues in medically ill populations. See also psychosomatic medicine.