Physicians and psychiatrists have written this book, to cover the essential physical health topics that are most relevant to people with mental disorders and intellectual disabilities.

Of course, it is not possible to cover every eventuality, physical condition or disability in this book, but Essentials of Physical Health in Psychiatry will help you to increase your knowledge, and confidence, in managing at least some of the more common physical conditions that your patients may develop. In addition, we hope that Essentials of Physical Health in Psychiatry will stimulate you to read in more depth.

Finally, our authors, experts in their respective fields, have provided guidance on when to seek help from medical specialist colleagues; with their advice, this will enable psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses to care for the physical as well as mental health of their patients, whether in an institution or in the community.