Prevalence of chronic sinusitis among outdoor psychiatric patients

ABSTRACT

To assess the prevalence of chronic sinusitis among outdoor psychiatric patients as a number of patients with chronic sinusitis presents with psychiatric symptoms. 5043 cases. Cohort Study. Department of ENT in collaboration with department of Psychiatry, JPMC Karachi. The study duration was six years from January 2002 to December 2007. All cases of psychiatry consultation who agreed, were assessed for history, mental state examination and physical examination with laboratory and radiological investigation. The final diagnosis was based on criteria of ICD-10 for associated psychiatric diagnosis. Out of 5043 cases, 154 [30.05%] cases had chronic sinusitis. Out of 154 cases of chronic sinusitis 85 [55.2%] were male and 69 [44.8%] were female. Majority of the patients 57 [37%] were below primary level of education. As evident from this study, cases with chronic sinusitis can present psychiatric practice as the symptoms resemble or coexist with psychiatric disorders