Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical morbidity on the outcome of patients with psychiatric disorder, and to compare the effects on non-medically and medically explained symptoms. One hundred and fifty psychiatric cases were recruited using a two-stage design from 1620 consecutive patients attending their GP. Subjects were assessed at the time of screening, and one year subsequently, using the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument adapted for use in primary care (CIDI-PHC) and the Groningen Social Disability Schedule (GSDS). Assessments of psychiatric morbidity were also obtained from GPs. Medically explained somatic symptoms were strongly related to psychological outcome one year later. Whereas just over a half of patients with no medically explained symptoms had recovered from a psychiatric disorder, the percentage recovery fell to 41% in those with 1-4 medically explained symptoms, and only 21% in patients with five or more medically explained symptoms. Physical ill-health has been shown to make an independent contribution to psychological outcome. The specific needs of these patients should receive greater attention.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
