Inpatient unit for combined physical and psychiatric disorders

The Behavior Evaluation and Treatment Unit of the Medical College of Wisconsin provides continuous care of patients with combined behavioral and physical problems. These patients differ from those seen in our consultation service by having higher rates of psychosis, approaching that of traditional psychiatric inpatient programs. The medical and surgical illnesses treated on this unit are not trival, are often found to aggravate the psychiatric problems, and are sometimes considered causative. The work-up and treatment of such patients can potentially be performed without major increases in length of stay. Inpatient programs for combined disorders hold the promise of enhancing quality and alternatives of care for a sizable group of patients.