The problem of coping as a reason for psychiatric consultation.
To examine those patients referred to psychiatry for the "problem of coping," a structured clinical databased management system--MICRO-CARES--was employed to identify the frequency, demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, psychosocial interventions, use of psychopharmacology, number of follow-up visits, and discharge placement of these referrals. Consultations totaling 1,157 from July 1, 1988 through January 1, 1990 were divided into two groups and compared: "Not coping" (N = 456, 28.5%) and "others" (N = 701, 61%). Those with a "problem in coping" more often had no Axis I diagnosis (p = 0.001), or were described as adjustment disorders (p = 0.0001). Fewer recommendations were made for those with a coping problem, although lag time (admission date to request for consultation), number of follow-ups, and discharge placement were not significantly different between the two groups. Stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that the aged had lesser risk for being referred with a coping problem; those who were white, had their own income, experienced greater stress prior to hospitalization (Axis IV), and had higher functioning during the last year (Axis V) were at greater risk.
Strain
J
J
Division of Behavioral Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Hammer
J S
JS
Huertas
D
D
Lam
H T
HT
Fulop
G
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D003628:Database Management Systems; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs