Primary care physicians have a unique, long-term relationship with their patients. The nature of this relationship places primary care physicians in the position of managing both the physical and psychological response to serious illness. The Psychological Impact of Acute and Chronic Illness is specifically designed to help the primary care physician navigate normative and maladaptive reactions to illness. Physicians will learn how to identify coping responses in medically ill individuals, as well as proven strategies for intervention and pharmacological treatment of patients presenting with mental illness. Chapters are concise but comprehensive and emphasize the basics, from aspects of the illness process to knowing when to refer patients to mental health providers. Case examples throughout the book illustrate important concepts and techniques that enable the reader to maximize coping in patients and their families.