Psychiatric conditions in palliative medicine

Psychiatric conditions are common among patients with advanced illness who are referred to palliative care services. Psychiatric illness can cause considerable distress to both patients and their families. In order to improve end-of-life care for patients, it is necessary to diagnose psychiatric conditions and treat them appropriately. This brief review considers cognitive impairment, delirium, dementia, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, outlining the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and management of these conditions.