TY - JOUR
T1 - Physical disorders among Southeast Asian refugee outpatients with psychiatric disorders
AU - Ta, Karen
AU - Westermeyer, Joseph
AU - Neider, John
PY - 1996/9
Y1 - 1996/9
N2 - Objective: The study assessed the prevalence and duration of axis III physical disorders and the resulting level of disability among Southeast Asian refugee outpatients with axis I psychiatric disorders. Methods: A total of 266 consecutive patients who were evaluated in a psychiatric outpatient clinic were assessed for the presence of axis III conditions through questions about physical symptoms, a medical history and review of records, physical examination, and laboratory screening. The sample included 158 Hmong, 58 Laotian, 43 Vietnamese, and seven Cambodian patients. Results: Fifty-five percent of the patients had one or more axis III disorders, most of which were chronic and were not associated with extreme disability. Neurological conditions were most common, and the sequelae of war-related trauma were prominent. No associations were found between the presence of axis III conditions and age, gender; marital status, or ethnic group. In 48 cases, the axis III condition may have caused or exacerbated the axis I condition. Conclusions: Routine medical history and a physical examination, including a neurological examination, are recommended for all psychiatric patients, including outpatients.
AB - Objective: The study assessed the prevalence and duration of axis III physical disorders and the resulting level of disability among Southeast Asian refugee outpatients with axis I psychiatric disorders. Methods: A total of 266 consecutive patients who were evaluated in a psychiatric outpatient clinic were assessed for the presence of axis III conditions through questions about physical symptoms, a medical history and review of records, physical examination, and laboratory screening. The sample included 158 Hmong, 58 Laotian, 43 Vietnamese, and seven Cambodian patients. Results: Fifty-five percent of the patients had one or more axis III disorders, most of which were chronic and were not associated with extreme disability. Neurological conditions were most common, and the sequelae of war-related trauma were prominent. No associations were found between the presence of axis III conditions and age, gender; marital status, or ethnic group. In 48 cases, the axis III condition may have caused or exacerbated the axis I condition. Conclusions: Routine medical history and a physical examination, including a neurological examination, are recommended for all psychiatric patients, including outpatients.
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U2 - 10.1176/ps.47.9.975
DO - 10.1176/ps.47.9.975
M3 - Article
C2 - 8875664
AN - SCOPUS:0029746714
SN - 1075-2730
VL - 47
SP - 975
EP - 979
JO - Psychiatric Services
JF - Psychiatric Services
IS - 9
ER -