Referrals by general practitioners to a primary health care psychiatric clinic: diagnostic status and Sociodemographic characteristics

ABSTRACT

This is a prospective study of new patients referred by general practitioners to a psychiatry clinic conducted within primary health care setting. Ninety six new patients [41 males and 55 females] were studied. Among the identified cases females were slightly more than males. The maximum psychiatric morbidity occurred at the age group 15-44 years and dropped sharply after the age of 45. Neurotic depression, anxiety state and anxiety- depressive state were the commonest identified psychiatric disorders [69%]. Neurotic depression occurred more among females, otherwise no notable diagnostic differences between the two sexes. The results were compared with those of relevant local and international studies