Mental health and physical health are fundamentally linked. People living with a serious mental illness are at higher risk of experiencing a wide range of chronic physical conditions. Conversely, people living with chronic physical health conditions (such as diabetes, epilepsy and hypertension) experience depression and anxiety at twice the rate of the general population. Co-existing mental and physical conditions can diminish quality of life and lead to longer illness duration and worse health outcomes. Consultation Liaison psychiatry focuses on this intersection, and takes into account the individual’s physical health parameters, comorbidity, existing treatment regime in designing an optimal management plan to ensure the best outcome.

Several medical illnesses are complicated by chronic pain. This can have a prominent impact on mental state and general wellbeing. Mental Health professionals can play a significant role in the management of chronic painsyndromes.