INDICATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC-CONSULTATION - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY ABOUT THE CONSULTATION TRIAD

In a prospective study about the consultation triad (doctor-doctor-pat ient) 334 of 388 consecutive psychiatric consultations at two large ho spitals of Lubeck within 5 months have been analyzed. The psychiatric consultant and the doctor on duty answered questions with regard to di agnosis, treatment indication and after care. 162 physicians (22 psych iatric consultants and 140 physicians working in 14 different departme nts) look part in the study. On one hand it turned out that there were specific indications for different diagnosis groups. On the other han d the two samples of physicians presented surprising differences with regard to their (case related) treatment indications and after care op tions. Psychiatrists found it less important to carry out reconsultati ons and the somatic orientated doctors emphasized more often psychodyn amical orientated interventions for patients in contrast to the psychi atrists. Psychiatrists in contrast have been more sensitive for atmosp heric tensions at the ward. These differences even grew following the amount of practice. Gerontopsychiatric patients turned out to be a spe cial problem group. Doctors of both groups rarely share their opinion with regard to after care options.