PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Al-Sughayir, Mohammed A.
TI  - Referral pattern of physical diseases in psychiatric in-patients
DP  - 2000 Sep 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 864--868
VI  - 21
IP  - 9
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/21/9/864.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/21/9/864.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2000 Sep 01; 21
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the referral pattern of physical diseases in psychiatric in-patients in a university teaching general hospital.METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study, over 12 months with a consecutive series of referrals from psychiatric in-patient unit to other specialties, in King Khalid University Hospital, using a predesigned format that included information on age, sex, physical examination on admission, consulted medical specialties and opinion of the consulted physician.RESULTS: Referral rate was 38% of the total psychiatric in-patients. The most common consulted specialties were endocrinology (14.5%), dermatology (12.5%) and cardiology (12%). About three quarters of the patients were below 30 years of age. Physical examination on admission was not carried out for 16% of cases. Forty-four percent of clinicians responses were within 48 hours of the consultation. There were no responses in 12% of the consultations and no life-threatening physical conditions. About one-third of referred patients were schizophrenics.CONCLUSION: Physical diseases in psychiatric in-patients are common. Evaluation of psychiatric patients should include a detailed physical examination, thorough medical and psychiatric history, as well as appropriate laboratory testing. Improving psychiatrist trainees' skills in detecting and assessing physical conditions in psychiatric patients is essential.