Perioperative care of the patient with psychiatric disease

Abstract

Psychiatric and behavioral problems are frequently seen in the perioperative setting and may significantly complicate a patient’s postoperative course. Such problems fall into three main categories: drugs and alcohol, delirium, and the “difficult” patient. This chapter deals with these challenging clinical problems, addresses the additional issue of capacity and informed consent, and further adds a discussion concerning how to best interact with the psychosocial team.