Evaluation of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Consultations in a University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Main objective was to address the issue by presenting the reasons of child and adolescent psychiatry consultations, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of the cases and the treatments suggested. Method: Patient information related to the consultations requested from the department of child and adolescent psychiatry by the clinics of pediatric, and other clinics in the Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Medicine between February 2014 and January 2015 were retrospectively screened. Results: In the past year, 137 child and adolescent psychiatry consultations were requested. 43.8% (n = 60) of the cases were male, 56.2% (n = 77) were female. While mean age was 10.9±4.3 years. Consultations were most often requested from the clinics of pediatric (27.8%; n:38), and pediatric intensive care unit (16.7%; n:23). Of the cases, 29.2% had not received any psychiatric diagnosis. Psychiatric diagnoses were mostly depressive disorder (12.4%), adjustment disorder (8.0%), and attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (7.3%). Medical treatment was administered to 70.2% (n:97) of the evaluated cases. Conclusions: Our study reveals that psychiatric disorders, mainly depressive disorder and adjustment disorders, are frequently seen in patients with physical diseases. Outcomes of our study emphasized the merit of these consultation demands, and importance of collaboration between disciplines.Holding more educational meetings on this issue might contribute to enhancing the cooperation between clinics.