Establishing a psychiatry clinic within an Australian publicly funded specialist obesity service

Abstract

Objective

In January 2023, the Canberra Health Services Department of Bariatric Medicine introduced a psychiatry clinic into its model of care to optimise the management of patients with comorbid obesity and mental illness. This paper describes the scope of the psychiatry clinic and reviews patient characteristics and management during the first year of operation.

Methods

This study is an outline of the clinic and a retrospective review of patient demographics, body mass index, psychiatric diagnoses and initial management. Descriptive statistics were performed (2024.LRE.00027).

Results

Clinic scope, staffing and patient eligibility were presented. Of the 22 patients referred, 20 attended initial assessment and at least one review (102 encounters). Females outnumbered males (82%). Mean age was 44 years (18–73 years). Mean body mass index was 51.74 kg/m² (29.36–74.23 kg/m²). Depressive and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent existing diagnoses. Trauma and stressor-related disorders and feeding and eating disorders were common new diagnoses. 75% of patients had two or more psychiatric disorders. Management comprised medications, supportive psychotherapy and referral recommendations.

Conclusions

This is the first time the Department of Bariatric Medicine has embedded a psychiatry clinic into its model of care. The clinic provides specialist-level psychiatric care within a multi-disciplinary team which may have benefits in managing comorbid obesity and mental illness.