Multidisciplinary Approach

EDITORIAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH For a comprehensive psychiatric care multidisciplinary approach is the only answer and psychiatric care is incomplete if only medications are given for the psychiatric illness. Invariably psychiatric cases have a multitude of problems-physical, psychosocial, occupational , financial etc. Though in a case the cause-effect relationship may not be clearly evident , there is little doubt that for complete recovery the concommitant problems also need to be tackled. The psychiatric illness may be worsened due to these problems or may create a new problem. These call for a multidisciplinary approach towards psychiatric care. In a multidisciplinary team many professionals are expected to participate, namely, physician , psychologist, psychiatric social worker, occupational therapist, nursing staff, neurologist besides the psychiatrist. Professionals who can deal with problems, other than those mentioned may also be of help. But, unfortunately, due to lack of man power, most mental health professionals are unable to form a coherent team in their respective centres. Theoretically, there is no argument that the multidisciplinary approach would provide holistic care and ensure good care for every aspect, but from a practical point of view there are numerous difficulties. Certain roles are specific and uncontroversial. For example, prescription of medications has to be done by the psychiatrist, psychometry by the clinical psychologists and home visits to be made by the psychiatric social workers. These specialists are adept in performing these tasks. On the other hand certain activites, e.g. Psychotherapy, can be done by psychiatrists, psychologists or the psychiatric social workers. It is the judicious application of roles of different professionals which would make multidisciplinary approach successful and provide comprehensive care. At certain centres, most professionals are available and perhaps, they do provide psychiatric care in a multidisciplinary fashion. But how this can be made possible at most, if not all psychiatric centres, has to be planned. Gradually, more and more mental health professionals belonging to different specialities are being trained, but simultaneously, the needs and demands on psychiatric centres are also rising sharply. Under such circumstances one expects that as much facilities as can be provided, should be put into effect. A model for multidisciplinary approach, specific for our country, may need to be evolved, one which would be practicable as well as effective.