Tackling the Global Mental Health Challenge: A Psychosomatic Medicine/Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry Perspective

BackgroundConsultation–liaison (C–L) psychiatry, informed by principles of psychosomatic medicine, is well-positioned to address the global impact of mental disorders through primary care C–L models.Objective/MethodThe authors review the international burden of mental disorders, highlighting medical comorbidity, undertreatment, and the rationale for enhancing primary-care management.ResultsC–L psychiatry fosters the skills required for global mental health work. The authors describe successful C–L models developed in a low-income country (Ethiopia) and an under-resourced region of a high-income country (Australia).ConclusionC–L psychiatrists have the potential to marshal their unique skill-set to reduce the global burden of mental disorders.