This chapter describes the anaesthetic management of the patient with those psychiatric disorders which are relevant to anaesthetic practice, including dementia, alcoholism and anorexia nervosa. Psychiatric medications which can affect anaesthetic practice are described, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), antipsychotic drugs and lithium. Anaesthesia for drug-misusing patients and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is described. Sedation of agitated patients on the ward is discussed.
Authors’ Reply to Ulrich: Comment on ‘Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in Psychiatric Practice: How to Use Them Safely and Effectively’