Patients' perceptions of psychiatric consultations

108 patients seen in psychiatric consultation while hospitalized for a medical illness were surveyed to ascertain their attitudes about the intervention. 78.2% accepted the consultation favorably and the majority believed that the experience was beneficial to themselves and helpful to their attending physicians. Individuals who were told beforehand that a consultation was requested were more likely to positively accept the consultation. Reaction to the consultation did not relate to psychiatric diagnosis or severity of medical illness.