ABSTRACT

Mental health challenges are common within the general community, and even more common within the general health-care system. This chapter informs reader about mental health challenges within the general health-care system and highlights the important role of nurses in providing care to meet the health-care needs (including mental health) for people experiencing mental illness. It provides an overview of: the prevalence of mental health challenges within the general community, the prevalence of mental health challenges within the general health-care system, comorbidity, and common mental health challenges in health-care settings. Consultation–liaison psychiatry developed from recognition that people with mental health challenges did not receive the care and treatment they required within general hospitals. It is a service provided to service users who are admitted for a physical issue but are also experiencing mental health challenges. Nurses have a responsibility to provide the best available care for people experiencing mental health challenges.