Psychopharmacologic issues in the diagnosis and treatment of organic mental disorders.

The psychiatrist in a medical setting must have in-depth knowledge in three specific areas. It is vitally important that he or she be able to recognize organic mental disorders caused by medical conditions and medications. The psychiatrist should also be thoroughly familiar with the appropriate psychotropic medications available to treat these disorders. Finally, a knowledge of frequent drug interactions and the limitations of psychoactive medications in treating psychiatric symptoms is invaluable.