Insight into Patterns of Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of Patient attending a Newly Started Psychiatry Outpatient in an Institute of National Importance from North India: A Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorders constitute a global public health concern. Despite advancements in mental health care, significant disparities persist in the accessibility and quality of services provided, particularly in under-resourced areas. There is no data on mental health from the Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh. This study reports the initial trends in patient profiles in a newly established psychiatry outpatient department.
Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients attending a newly started mental health establishment in an Institute of National Importance.
Methodology: This retrospective study analyzed case records of psychiatric patients who attended the psychiatry outpatient department from October 2020 to October 2022. Data regarding the sociodemographic profile and clinical profile was obtained. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as appropriate.
Results: A total of 5650 patients visited the outpatient department during the study period. The mean age of the patients attending was 37.38 years, with the majority of the patients being males (55.3%), Hindus (93.7%) and married (71.7%). The trends showed that there was rise in patients attending the centers during April and September. The most common diagnosis belonged to the group of F40, neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorder (43.8%) disorders as per ICD 10 classification.
Conclusion: The profile of the presenting age of various disorders were in sync with the existing literature. A trend of increase in census could be seen during April and September. This study will be helpful in anticipating and planning the initiation of mental health services at a tertiary level