The Prevalence of Chronic Medical Diseases in Individuals With Psychiatric Disorders: A Retrospective Study in Saudi Arabia

Background Psychiatric disorders are conditions that affect thinking, behavior, and overall mental health, influencing daily functioning and quality of life. Chronic diseases are persistent health conditions that necessitate ongoing medical treatment and management. This study aims to assess the prevalence of chronic medical diseases among individuals with psychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, utilizing electronic health records from May 2016 to December 2024. The study included psychiatric patients aged ≥17 years. A minimal sample size of 296 was determined using Raosoft software (Raosoft Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States), assuming the prevalence of 50%, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. Data were collected using a random sampling technique and categorized into three sections: demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, and chronic disease status. Pearson's Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to assess associations between psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases. Results A total of 361 psychiatric patients (median age of 54 years) were included, with 222 (61%) patients being female and 272 (77%) being unemployed. A total of 202 patients (56%) were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), 81 (22%) were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 32 (8.9%) had bipolar disorder; 290 psychiatric patients (80.33%) had a chronic disease and 188 patients (52.1%) used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). MDD with psychotic symptoms (p=0.025), conversion disorder (p=0.038), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p<0.0001) were not associated with chronic diseases. Bipolar disorder and adjustment disorder were significantly associated with cancer (p=0.033, p=0.006). PTSD was linked to hypertension (p=0.033) and diabetes (p=0.014), while delirium was significantly associated with ischemic heart disease (p<0.001) and stroke (p=0.004). Conclusion The high prevalence of chronic diseases among psychiatric patients emphasizes the need for integrated healthcare approaches to manage comorbid conditions effectively. Addressing mental and physical health simultaneously may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.