Psychiatric morbidity in gynecological and otorhinolaryngological outpatients: a comparative study

Assessment of the point prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a gynecological outpatient population compared to a control group consisting of otorhinolaryngological outpatients.

During an 11-month period of time, 150 unselected, consecutive gynecologic outpatients and 150 matched controls (otorhinolaryngological outpatients) were enrolled in the study. Patients were screened for psychiatric disorders using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Sociodemographic data, psychiatric and medical history including inpatient treatments and outpatient contacts, and utilisation of the health care system were assessed.

Within the gynecological group, 45.3% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric diagnosis according to the PHQ, compared to 27.3% of the otorhinolaryngological control group (P=.002). With respect to distinct diagnoses, gynecological patients suffered significantly more often from somatoform disorders (P=.001) and depressive disorders (P=.003) than controls. Less than half of subjects of either group with any psychiatric diagnosis had ongoing psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment.

We found a significant group difference in the number of psychiatric diagnoses between gynecological and otorhinolaryngological female outpatients. Psychiatric disorders may be frequent and unrecognised in women presenting in an outpatient setting, especially in those seeking medical care for gynecological problems. The PHQ may be a useful tool to detect psychiatric disorders even in busy clinical settings.