[Emergency home psychiatric care and the role of the general physician. Evaluations and hypotheses]. / L'urgenza psichiatrica domiciliare ed il ruolo del medico generico. Valutazioni ed ipotesi.

Some aspects of the activity of the Mental Health Service of Biella are described, particularly those regarding home care. Then, on the basis of a description of a clinical case, the functions and role that it is considered can be fulfilled by the general physician in cooperation with the psychiatrist during emergency hope care when the patient is not already known to the psychiatric service are outlined.

[The activity of psychiatric consultancy within a general hospital. The relationship and institutional implications]. / L'attività di consulenza psichiatrica all'interno dell'ospedale generale. Implicazioni relazionali ed istituzionali.

The consultancy activity performed by Biella Ward of the local general hospital in 1979-1987 is described. After presenting data regarding the quantity and nature of consultancy requests, the medico-hospital cultural background relating to mental suffering is analysed. The hospital often tends to address only the patient's bidimensional aspects, excluding his internal being. Because of a mutual, tacit contact between physician and patient, the moment of admission is seen as a "somatic repair service". The psychological crisis usually arises in the form of the breakdown of the contract when the possible uncertainty of diagnosis and the prolongation of clinical examination affects the personality. In the specific case of Biella Psychiatry, the forced closure of the Psychiatric Diagnosis and Care Service about six years ago helped push the Psychiatrist towards a "liaison" role.