Neuroticism in a family practice population in India

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of neuroticism and its correlation with the various sociodemographic factors and presenting complaints among patients attending a family practice outpatient clinic. One hundred and forty two consecutive patients attending the outpatient clinic were administered PGI Health Questionnaire N2. Higher incidence of neuroticism was observed in middle age group population, in females (especially housewives), unskilled workers, patients with lower educational status and those belonging to small and nuclear families. A significant number of such patients had presented with vague symptoms, were visiting the clinics frequently and had associated chronic diseases. The results suggest that patients visiting the family practice clinics frequently with multiple somatic complaints with no suggested organic basis should undergo an in-depth psychiatric evaluation.