A Cross-Sectional Study on Psychiatric Assessment in Patients with Uncertain ENT Symptoms in the Hospital Outpatient Department, Bahawalpur

Abstract

Objective: To detect psychiatric symptoms presenting with ear, nose, and throat manifestations by using a
simple screening tool like the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 shortened version and then refer them
to the psychiatric outpatient department for further evaluation and management. Mental health issues are
very common nowadays, and understanding their clinical manifestations is crucial.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Outpatient
Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Bahawalpur, Pakistan from August 2020 to January 2021.
Methods: A Total of 455 patients presented in the outpatient department with ENT CMH Bahawalpur
symptoms were considered in this study. GHQ-12 questionnaire was applied to detect psychiatric symptoms in
patients who were not explained on detailed history and physical examination, and in those having positive
symptoms related to ear, nose, or throat problems. Chi-square test was applied as a statistical tool.
Results: Among 455 patients who reported ENT OPD during 06 months, 36 patients did not have physical
findings on detailed examination, 59 were positive for psychiatric symptoms, and they were guided to go to
psychiatric OPD for further evaluation and mental state examination.
Conclusion: Psychiatric symptoms can be identified by taking a detailed history from patients presenting in the
outdoor patient department and applying different screening tools. Medical health professionals at all levels
need to be trained and sensitized to identify such cases. The absence of physical disease gives an important clue to recognize psychiatric illnesses.

How to cite this: Saeed I, Rafique U, Malik KZ, Ali A, Mahar R. A Cross-Sectional Study on Psychiatric Assessment in Patients with Uncertain ENT Symptoms in the Hospital Outpatient Department, Bahawalpur. Life and Science. 2025; 6(3): 375-380. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.808