Psychiatric Comorbidities Among Patients Attending Medical Outpatient Departments: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Psychiatric comorbidities are increasingly recognized as important factors affecting patient outcomes in medical settings. This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of psychiatric comorbidities among patients attending medical outpatient departments (OPDs). A cross-sectional design was adopted, with 1,000 patients selected from four major hospitals' medical OPDs. The most common psychiatric comorbidities identified were depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Our findings suggest that psychiatric comorbidities are underdiagnosed in these settings, yet they significantly impact treatment adherence, healthcare costs, and patient well-being. We advocate for routine mental health screenings in outpatient medical settings to optimize patient outcomes.