Medication and other biological treatments are managed by the intern's medical back-up, generally a psychiatric resident. Interns' observations and recommendations about such treatment, however, are integral components of patient care. Additionally, interns typically co-lead two inpatient psychotherapy groups, an important aspect of the unit's milieu treatment program. The two general inpatient units treat individuals age 14 years and older, although typically a very limited number of adolescents are admitted. Patient problems include affective disorders, schizophrenia and severe character disorders.
Emphasis is on rapid resolution of acute distress and return to functioning.
Since many inpatients will be referred for outpatient, individual or family treatment, interns sometimes have the opportunity to provide continuing care for these persons following their discharge. The psychiatric substance abuse service treats persons with a dual diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder and substance abuse. Interns on this rotation gain familiarity with psychiatric and neurological disorders specifically associated with substance abuse, e.g. antisocial personality disorder and substance-abuse induced psychosis. Because of the high incidence of HIV in IV drug users, interns gain additional training in AIDS related disorders. The geropsychiatric service treats individuals age 55 and older who are diagnosed with a broad range of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and dementia.