Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for  ordering the psychiatric con- sultation for the inpatients of a teaching general hospital in Tehran, and evaluating the demographic information and type of diagnosis.

Method: In 3 years’ time, 300 inpatients (174 females) who were sequentially referred for a psychi- atric consultation from the twelve wards of Hazrat Rasoul Hospital in Tehran, were assessed by a demographic questionnaire and psychiatric interview.

Results: About 40% of referred patients aged 18-40 years. Statistical analysis revealed that the inter- nal medicine ward had the highest referral rate (44%). Two most common reasons for referral were general psychiatric assessment (13%) and evaluation of patients’ psychotropic medications usage (11%). The most common diagnoses were mood disorders (24.4%) and coping with an illness (13.7%).

Conclusion: Psychiatric problems were common in the different wards of this general hospital.