[Difficult doctor-patient interactions in the psychiatric consultation-liaison service: the use of attachment-based...

In the psychiatric consultation-liaison service (CL service) in hospitals a rapid classification of the interaction behavior of patients is often essential for a successful consultation.

This article gives an abridged and practical overview of how models from the attachment theory can be meaningfully implemented in the CL service.

Based on the relevant literature the foundations of attachment theory are briefly explained and appropriate recommendations for action for the construction of medical relationships are derived. A case study is used to illustrate this pragmatic approach.

According to the 4‑category model of Bartolomew and Horowitz a clear classification into 4 different attachment styles can be achieved in adulthood. Furthermore, the derived recommendations for action can be used in the CL service to adapt the construction of relationships.

Models from the attachment theory can be helpful to establish a functional physician-patient relationship. This is helpful for a successful contact in counselling and these models can also mediate the primary treating physician and contribute to positive medical outcomes.