Psychiatric referrals in a neuropsychiatric centre

Consecutive new cases were screened to identify those referred by other specialties. The referred cases were compared with a randomly selected control group from the non referred cases. Referred cases constituted 16.4% of all the clinic new cases but the demographic characteristics were similar to those of the other clinic cases. Functional somatic complaints were significantly more often (p less than 0.01) reported by the referred cases. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were also significantly more often observed in the referred group (p less than 0.01). Most of the referred cases had identifiable psychiatric problems which could be managed in an out-patient setting. Studies on referral patterns and modes of clinical presentation are useful in planning and organising consultation liaison services in general and specialist centres.