A psychiatrist's role in the management of patients with malignant blood disorders being treated by clinical haematologists is described. Twenty-seven patients were seen, the majority (21) for an initial assessment only, and many (21) within three months of diagnosis or their death. Seventeen were referred for assessment of abnormal mood or behaviour and the others for a variety of problems which affected their management. A small group (4) had organic psychosyndromes; the majority (15) were suffering from understandable adjustment reactions, with another 5 having morbid neurotic or depressive reactions. Family and hospital factors were important and a description of these is included in an account of the consultation process.
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