The role of the psychiatrist in organ transplantation

The psychiatrist has multiple roles on the transplant team, beginning with the transplantation psychiatry consultation (TPC). It addresses such issues as risks of exacerbation or recurrence of a psychiatric illness, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations due to organ failure, potential drug interactions involving psychotropic and immunosuppressant medications, adequacy of support system, history of medical compliance, emotional and cognitive preparedness for transplantation, mental status findings supplemented by standardized cognitive testing and psychosocial rating instruments, and decision-making capacity. The consultation concludes with an overall assessment of the patient's psychosocial strengths and limitations, and recommended interventions to optimize his or her candidacy for transplantation. The consultation findings aid the psychiatrist and the transplant team in striving for fairness and the ideal of "neutrality" in an effort to serve the needs of the patient, other transplant candidates, and society with regard to optimal organ stewardship.