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Patients with psychiatric disorders in gynecologic practice
M Bixo1, I Sundström-Poromaa, I Björn
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Sweden.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 24, 2001
Summary
Gynecologic patients frequently experience undiagnosed depression and anxiety, often presenting with physical symptoms like abdominal pain. Early recognition by gynecologists is crucial for timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Primary Care
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders are prevalent in gynecologic populations.
- Somatic symptoms are common in women presenting with gynecologic complaints.
- The link between gynecologic issues and mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gynecologic complaints and somatic symptoms.
- To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a gynecologic patient population.
- To assess the association between specific gynecologic care patterns and psychiatric diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A population of 1013 subjects was assessed using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD).
- Prevalence of depression (27.2%) and anxiety (12.1%) was determined.
- Medical charts were reviewed post-diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Depression and anxiety were significantly more prevalent in patients seeking care for abdominal pain.
- Frequent, unscheduled visits and hospitalizations for acute care were associated with higher rates of psychiatric disorders.
- Physical symptoms, as per the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire, were more common in women with psychiatric diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of depression and anxiety cases in women remain undiagnosed and untreated.
- Patients with psychiatric disorders often manifest physical symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
- Gynecologists should be vigilant in recognizing and managing psychiatric disorders in patients presenting with abdominal pain, frequent visits, or acute admissions.