Consultation-liaison psychiatry is a key part of the National Health Service (NHS) service delivery goals in all acute hospitals and the authors of this book have provided a good and quick guide that I believe will be an invaluable resource for trainees and practitioners in the field of psychiatry. I was happy to receive a copy and reading it was worthwhile. The depth of experience of the expert contributors was reflected in all the chapters.

There are 26 chapters in total, with contributions from 42 professionals, including consultant and trainee psychiatrists in various fields, liaison nursing consultants and colleagues from Germany, Australia, USA and Canada. This is the third edition and it effectively highlights the growing significance of liaison psychiatry in acute hospital settings. As a higher trainee in general adult psychiatry, currently in a liaison psychiatry post, I found this book to be essential reading. The authors’ insights served as a handy refresher on common mental health conditions in acute hospital settings, highlighting the multidisciplinary contribution of liaison team members. The reference materials at the end of each chapter demonstrate how much research is ongoing and the chapter on the current evidence base that underpins the effectiveness of this subspecialty of psychiatry shows the importance of service evaluation with use of outcome measures in acute settings.

The book starts with details of the assessment process in consultation-liaison psychiatry and flows into chapters on clinical topics covering the various presentations in hospital settings across different age groups. I like the chapter on psychological reaction to physical illness, which was co-authored by a psychiatrist with lived experience of illness and recovery. It describes the common reactions to illness and the dynamic processes that may determine how people adjust to chronic illnesses and the various psychosocial models of health behaviour. It emphasises the role of liaison psychiatrists in identifying the normal adjustment process in an individual and knowing when this has become a mental illness and how best to support recovery. Further chapters explain various psychosocial management options in liaison psychiatry in medical settings, which links with the holistic care of patients in acute settings, who often have chronic conditions.

Chapters on alcohol and substance misuse discuss every aspect of presentation (acute and chronic), tables of reference values, screening tools, the assessment and management of intoxication, and the toxicity of various substances. They also discuss the supportive role of liaison psychiatry in parallel assessment, which supports risk assessment and identification of any comorbid mental conditions that are present.

The chapter on legal and ethical principles in hospital settings uses a detailed example of a mental capacity assessment process and steps to take to support patients’ best interest decision-making. It explains the application of distinct aspects of the Mental Health Act. There are chapters that explain training pathways, the evolution of consultation-liaison psychiatry across the years, its growing recognition globally and the scope of research in the UK, Australia, USA and Canada.

The book is easy to read and not oversimplified, thus enhancing self-learning and development. It has helped me to reflect on my day-to-day learning in clinical settings. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a deeper comprehension of liaison psychiatry and its role in providing holistic patient care in physical health settings.