VCU professor publishes first-of-its-kind book on psychosomatic medicine

By Kosha Joshi
University News Services

James L. Levenson, M.D., vice chairman of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Psychiatry, has edited the first textbook in the newly recognized subspecialty of psychiatry know as psychosomatic medicine, a specialized area devoted to the treatment of psychiatric disorders in complex medically ill patients.

Here the term “psychosomatic” refers to the effects of mind and body on each other interacting in health and illness. This new subspecialty was recently approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. VCU has one of the only ACGME approved fellowships in the country in psychosomatic medicine.

“The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychosomatic Medicine” has almost 100 contributors from seven countries and combines the latest research with detailed information regarding psychopharmacology and psychotherapy in medically ill patients.

It is the official textbook of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, the national organization of consultation-liaison psychiatrists. The textbook is organized into four parts: general principles -- (including clinical, legal, and ethical; ), psychiatric symptoms and disorders in the medically ill; psychiatric aspects in each of the medical specialties and subspecialties; and finally psychiatric treatment modalities in the medically ill.

“The cast of the contributing authors represents the best and the brightest from the international community scholars in this field,” said Jimmie C. Holland M.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Weil Medical College of Cornell University.

“Through this comprehensive volume authored by psychosomatic medicine’s leading lights, the editor and editorial board have defined the field for years to come,” said Joel Yager M.D. professor and vice chair of education and academic affairs, University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Levenson is a professor of psychiatry, medicine and surgery and serves as chairman of the Division of Consultation- Lliaison for Ppsychiatry. He also is vice-chairman for clinical affairs within the Department of Psychiatry. He has published more than 120 papers and chapters in books and edited another book for internists on depression.