The increased need for liaison psychiatry in surgical patients due to the high prevalence of undiagnosed anxiety and depression

Depression is the most common mental disease in patients hospitalized with physical illness. Disorders of anxiety and depression in general hospitals are frequently underdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. To assess the prevalence of undiagnosed anxiety and depression in surgical inpatients and assess the referral rate and utilization of liaison psychiatry services. A prospective study of surgical admissions (n = 96) to two surgical services at two separate institutions between 01/01/05 and 31/12/05. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale was used to evaluate all patients. About 12.5% of patients had significant depression, 18.75% had significant anxiety, and 8.3% had significant mixed anxiety and depression. About 22.9% of patients warranted referral to liaison psychiatry services for further assessment and management. Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in surgical inpatients. An increased awareness of the possibility of undiagnosed psychiatric disorders is required, along with prompt and appropriate use of liaison psychiatry services.