Somatic symptoms and level of anxiety and depression in self-referral patients at the emergency department

Abstract

Background. Due to multiple morbidities, patients experience various symptoms that may be of psychogenic or somatic origin. Anxiety and depression can induce somatization and the feeling that ailments require urgent medical intervention. Aim of the study. This study aimed to: (1) identify which symptoms self-referral patients most commonly report at the emergency department (ED) and which medical diagnoses they are discharged with; and (2) determine whether the type and severity of symptoms, as well as, sociodemographic variables are related to anxiety and depression levels. Material and methods. The study included 110 patients who self-referred to the ED at the University Clinical Hospital in Opole. Diagnostic surveys and questionnaires were used, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and an original questionnaire developed by the authors. Results. Among those suffering from chronic diseases (n = 53; 48.62%), 12 patients (22.64%) did not complete a single visit to the PHCF (Primary Health Care Facility), and 30 patients (56.60%) did not complete a visit to OSC (Outpatient Specialist Care) during the previous 12 months. The most common cause of reporting to the ED were pain and a burning sensation in the chest (n = 29; 27.10%). During discharge, the most common diagnosis was “other chest pains” (n = 22; 20.00%). 82.73% (n = 91) of patients had clear anxiety disorders, and 68.18% (n = 75) had clear depressive disorders. Conclusions: In case of somatic symptoms without a discernible cause in patients, it is necessary to implement comprehensive measures within PHCF, such as periodic measurements of anxiety and depression severity, psychological consultation, and an in-depth medical interview. These data also suggest that proper clinical monitoring should be implemented, including clinical parameters relevant for chronic diseases and the number of visits to the PHCF and OSC.