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Psychiatric morbidity among 230 medical inpatients was determined by a two-stage screening procedure, using the General Health Questionnaire and Standardized Psychiatric Interview. Of these patients, 23% were considered psychiatrically ill, affective disorders being the commonest illnesses encountered; and 27 (12%) were psychiatrically referred. While referral was related to severity of psychiatric illness and previous psychiatric illness, the degree to which the psychiatric illness obtruded or created problems in management appeared more crucial in determining referral. In half of those with psychiatric illness the problems did not appear to have been detected or dealt with. It is suggested that medical clerking should routinely include questions about mood and psychological responses to illness.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/bmj.1.5902.268

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br Med J

Publication Date

16/02/1974

Volume

1

Pages

268 - 270

Keywords

Affective Symptoms, Behavior, Female, Hospital Units, Humans, Interview, Psychological, Male, Medical Records, Mental Disorders, Middle Aged, Psychophysiologic Disorders, Referral and Consultation, Surveys and Questionnaires