A Multicentric Study on the Pattern and Clinical Profile of Inpatient Consultation- Liaison Psychiatry Referrals in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Ahmedabad

Abstract Background: Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) is an important branch of psychiatry comprising clinical understanding, teaching, and research activities of mental health professionals in the nonpsychiatric divisions. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study from three institutes, a multicentric study. Data were collected from May 20 to December 30, 2024. A total of 750 patients were referred to the psychiatry department from other branches and diagnosed with interview and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder Fifth Edition Criteria. Sociodemographic details and clinical questionnaire were applied including Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale after inquiring patients and relatives. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric illness in indoor referrals, to assess the presenting complaints for psychiatric referrals, to estimate the different types of psychiatric diagnoses and its management in indoor referrals, and to associate it with sociodemographic and clinical parameters. Results: Out of the total 750 patients, psychiatric morbidity was high (84.13%), while 15.87% of patients had no psychopathology. Delirium was the most common psychiatric diagnosis (22.4%). Low mood was the most common reason for psychiatric referral (around 29%). Pharmacotherapy was prescribed to 85.7% of patients, and 17.6% of patients were provided psychotherapy with overlap. General medicine was the most common referring department (54.13%). Psychiatric illnesses were significantly higher in Hindu patients compared to Muslims. Conclusion: Liaison Psychiatry(CLP) is an important branch of Psychiatry comprising clinical understanding, teaching and research activities of mental health professionals in the non-psychiatric divisions..