Epidemiological profile of psychiatry consultations at the University Pediatric Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Rates of emotional and behavioral disorders are likely to be higher than 20% in children with chronic illnesses. Research shows that children with chronic diseases have increase likelihood of psychiatric disorders.

PURPOSE/METHOD: We reviewed the 2006 University Pediatric Hospital consults generated to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship to create an epidemiological profile.

RESULTS

Of the 241 consults 51% were for male patients, with a peak at 16-years-old. Most consults were requested by Emergency Room. Patients with malignancies, neurological, and endocrinological conditions were more frequently consulted. The most frequent reason for consultation was mood complaints. The most frequent preliminary diagnosis was Major Depressive Disorder and Adjustment Disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2006 psychiatry consults at the University Pediatric Hospital consisted primarily in the request for evaluation and treatment of male or female adolescent patients, who presented mood symptoms in association with neurological, malignancy or endocrine diagnosis.