Depressed patients who do and do not receive psychiatric consultation in general hospitals.
A chart review was conducted of depressed patients at three general hospitals without psychiatric units. A substantial proportion of the patients did not receive psychiatric consultation. These patients tended to be less seriously ill than those who were evaluated by consulting psychiatrists. Despite the fact that a majority of patients treated without consultation reported disturbances of mood, appetite, and sleep, as well as somatic pain for which no source was readily apparent, only a small proportion received antidepressants in standard dosages. Issues surrounding the indications for and attitudinal barriers to antidepressant use in primary care are discussed.
Olfson
M
M
Payne Whitney Clinic, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021.
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation
D000928:Antidepressive Agents