FREQUENCY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS AND ORGANIC ILLNESS AMONG PATIENTS REPORTING WITH ACUTE BEHAVIOURAL DISTURBANCE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of psychiatric disorders and organic illness among patients reporting with Acute Behavioural Disturbance to a tertiary care psychiatric facility.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Psychiatric Emergency reception of Armed Forces Institute of Mental Health, Rawalpindi, from Jun 2014 to Dec 2014.

Methodology: This study involved 200 patients of both genders, having ages between 18 to 65 years, presenting with Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the Emergency Department. Patients were followed and required laboratory and radiological tests were done. Final diagnosis was recorded and then data analysis was done.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.98 ± 10.63 years. There were 128 (64%) males and 72 (36%) females patients in the study group. The mean duration of symptoms was 9.28 ± 4.35 days. Mood disorders were the most frequent and were diagnosed in 73 (36.5%) patients followed by substance abuse disorders (34.5%) and schizophrenia (21. 5%). Total 15 (7.5%) patients had underlying organic illness.

Conclusion: The outcome of patients reporting to Psychiatric Emergency with Acute Behavioural Disturbance is variable. The significantly high frequency of underlying organic illness among patients, highlights the need for emphasizing quality training of psychiatrists, casualty medical doctors, primary healthcare providers as well as paramedics.