Psychological distress and cognitive impairment in neurological in-patients: its prevalence and its recognition by residents.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study investigated the prevalence of psychological distress and cognitive impairment in neurological in-patients by means of three widely accepted questionnaires. We examined residents' recognition of corresponding disturbances.


METHODS
We interviewed fifty-five consecutively admitted in-patients of a neurological unit with the MMSE, GHQ-28 and BDI. We asked the neurological residents whether they found cognitive impairment or psychological disturbances in their patients and to indicate the extent of those abnormalities.


RESULTS
Fifteen percent of patients showed cognitive impairment, but as many as one-third showed psychological problems warranting further work-up. Recognition of such by residents as well as specification of psychiatric diagnoses and important psychosocial factors in the final reports was poor.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological problems are common in neurologic in-patients. They are insufficiently recognized by residents and usually not taken into consideration in patient-care. We suggest the improvement of neurologic training to include appropriate interview techniques, providing the integration of biological, psychological and social factors in diagnosis and therapy.
Zlot
S I
SI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003479:Curriculum; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010343:Patient Admission; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012919:Social Behavior