Abstract
Consecutive new cases were screened to identify those referred by other specialities. The referred cases were compared with a randomly selected control group from the non referred cases. Referred cases constituted 16.4% of all the clinic new cases but the demographic characteristics were similar to those of the other clinic cases. Functional somatic complaints were significantly more often (p <0.01) reported by the referred cases. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were also significantly more often observed in the referred group (p <0.01). Most of the referred cases had identifiable psychiatric problems which could be managed in an out-patient setting. Studies on referral patterns and modes of clinical presentation are useful in planning and organising consultation liaison services in general and specialist centres.
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