Psychiatric referrals in multispeciality hospital

K.L.E.S. hospital is a new multispecialty referral hospital attached to J.N. Medical College, Belgaum. All psychiatric referrals numbering 338 over a period from 1.7.1996 to 30.6.1997 were retrospectively studied. Socio-demographic data, source and reason for referral, diagnosis and treatment advised were noted. More than two-third of the referrals were male patients and belonged to the productive age group of 16 years to 45 years. 83.17% of the patients were referred from general medicine, medicine allied and medical superspeclality departments. Unexplained physical symptoms was the commonest reason for referral (64.44%). The commonest psychiatric diagnosis was neurotic, stress related, somatoform disorders (45.54%). Next common diagnosis was mood disorders (20 92%). Need for more dialogue and interaction between the referring doctor and the psychiatric team member is strongly felt.