Psychiatric Referral Pattern in a General Hospital

Abstract

Background: The referral rates of psychiatric patients in Nepal are very low, considering the higher rates of psychiatric morbidity in patients who attend various departments of a general hospital. Studying the pattern of psychiatric referrals may facilitate the management of the mentally ill in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Western Regional Hospital (WRH) over the period of one year. The patients referred from different departments were assessed by the consultant psychiatrists.

Result: A total of 816 patients were referred for psychiatric consultation out of which majority was from department of medicine and the most common reason for referral was anxiety disorder.

Conclusion: Multi-disciplinary interaction is beneficial to identify the psychiatric morbidity in the patients who attend general hospital.