A Retrospective Study of Pattern of Abnormal Findings in Routine Screening Investigations Done of Psychiatry Inpatients in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract Introduction: Physical comorbidity in persons with mental illness is a rule rather than exception. Hence, regular screening investigations in psychiatry inpatients help to detect physical illness at early stage. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of various screening investigations, referral patterns, and physical comorbidities in psychiatric inpatient records. Methodology: This was a descriptive, analytical, record-based study conducted in the psychiatry department of a tertiary care teaching hospital, wherein case notes of all inpatients admitted to the psychiatry unit during 6 months (January–June 2023) were studied. Inpatient records were evaluated for sociodemographic details, indication for admission, investigations as needed, any physical comorbidity, treatment history, referral patterns, and their outcomes. Records with incomplete details and known physical illnesses mentioned were excluded. Results: Total 100 patients’ records (63 males; mean age = 35 years, 37 females; mean age = 41 years) were included in the study. The common diagnosis was mood disorder 36% ( n = 36), followed by substance use disorder 30% ( n = 30) and schizophrenia 22% ( n = 22). On evaluating investigations, abnormalities found were anemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and thyroid disease (42% [ n = 42/100], 24% [ n = 24/100], 22% [ n = 22/100], and 22% [ n = 22/100], respectively). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain changes were seen in 75% of patients with acute behavior disturbances ( n = 4) and MRI spine changes in all major depressive disorder patients presented with backache ( n = 4). Ultrasonography abdomen findings were abnormal in 68% ( n = 26/38), of which 80% ( n = 21/26) had substance use disorder. For the management of abnormal findings, the referral consultation rate was 76% ( n = 76/100); 86% ( n = 66/76) of patients required more than one consultation with total 154 referrals. Conclusions: The investigations as indicated help in early detection and management of physical illness which mostly remains out of sight due to psychiatry illness.