Psychiatric referrals from a renal unit: a study of clinical practice in a British hospital.
Renal patients referred for a psychiatric opinion were compared with patients from the same unit who had never seen a psychiatrist. Overall the referrals had more psychiatric symptoms, but syndrome profiles of the two groups were very similar. In diagnostic terms, the referrals differed in having a range of adjustment disorders characterised by changes other than simple mood disturbance. There were relatively few major mental illnesses. Three other factors were associated with referral: youth, absence of a confiding relationship; and currently receiving haemodialysis. Most referrals were managed with short term non-intensive therapies, and there was little need for psychiatric in patient care. Psychiatric disorder did not influence survival. The significance of these findings for renal unit psychiatry is discussed.
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Department of Clinical Neurology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, U.K.
D000328:Adult; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011570:Psychiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology