The prevalence of the psychiatric disorders in the endocrinological clinic of Arad

Authors: Luminita Stamoran1, Ramona Maria Chenderes2, Pavel Dan Nanu3, Narcisa Mihailescu4
Affiliation: 1West University “Vasile Goldis” Arad, Endocrinological Department; 2West University “Vasile Goldis” Arad, Psychiatry Department; 3West University “Vasile Goldis” Arad, Neurological Department; 4Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Arad, Diabetes Mellitus Department

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ABSTRACT. Background: Psychiatric symptoms are often present in patients with endocrine diseases and could provide clues for the psychiatric disorders. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of the psychiatric disorders in patients with endocrine and metabolic diseases. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on the Endocrinological Clinic of Arad, during dec 2007 – jan 2008 and comprises 30 patients admitted in the hospital for endocrine disorders. The psychiatric symptoms were evaluated with MADRS (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and HAMA (Hamilton for Anxiety Rating Scale). The diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was established according to ICD-10 (International Clasification of Diseases) and DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Results: Insomnia, anxiety and depressed mood were the most frequent psychiatric symptoms. Insomnia was present to 80% (n=24) of the patients and depressed mood was present to 2/3 of the patients (n=19). Anxiety was the most frequent symptom; only 2 patients didn’t presented anxiety. The average of the MADRS scores was 16,17 and the average of HAMA scores was 14,05, which means that the psychiatric symptoms were present in a high percentage.    5 patients (16,6%) were diagnosed with psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, mood disorder due to a general medical condition, mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder). MADRS or HAMA scores were the highest to these patients. Conclusions: All patients presented at least one psychiatric symptom. The most frequent symptoms were anxiety, insomnia and depressed mood. According to ICD-10 and DSM-IV-TR, 5 patients (16,6%) were diagnosed  with psychiatric disorders.

Keywords: endocrine disease, psychiatric disorder