PSYCHIATRIC REFERRALS IN A MULTIDISCIPLINARY HOSPITAL

Objective: To evaluate the pattern of psychiatric referrals and to study the various diagnostic categories associated with physical disorders.Material and Methods: The study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar over a period about three months. There were 100 psychiatric referrals during the study period. Patients were assessed on a structured proforma and psychiatric morbidity was classified according to ICD-10.Results: Out of 100 patients, females (62%) outnumbered the males. The most common reasons for the referral were unexplained physical symptoms (40%) and disruptive behavior (15%). Depression was the most common diagnosis made (40%). More than two third of the patients (72%) were referred from medical units. 8% had no psychiatric morbidity.Conclusion: There is a need for greater dialogue and interactions between referring doctor and consultant psychiatrists.