Background

Study of prevalence and pattern of psychiatric referrals is crucial and gives an insight into the practice of consultation liaison psychiatry. There is lack of literature and awareness regarding the importance of consultation liaison psychiatry. As a result, even today, the rate of psychiatric referral rate in India is low. Thus, the main objective of the study is to assess the rate of psychiatric referral and clinical profile of referred patient.

Method

It was a cross–sectional descriptive study which enrols all the consecutive patients who were referred to the psychiatric department from different inpatient department of ESIPGIMSR and E.S.I.C Medical College and Hospital, Joka, Kolkata, India. Data regarding socio–demographic profile, reason for referral, source of referral and psychiatric diagnosis were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results

A total of 60 patients were referred for psychiatric consultation with a referral rate of 3.46%. Depressive episodes (15%) are the most common psychiatric condition observed among the referrals. Majority of the referrals were made from casualty department (16, 26.67%) followed by general medicine department (12, 20%). The common reasons for referrals include depression or anxiety (16.67%) and alcohol and harmful substance use and dependence (13.33%).

Conclusion

Depressive episodes and depression was found to be the most common reason for referral and most usual psychiatric diagnosis. Even after years since the advent of GHPUs, psychiatric referral rates are very low and awareness is needed.