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Psychiatrists' attitudes to physical examination of new out-patients with a major depressive disorder

The State Hospital, Carstairs

E. M. McCabe, Staff Psychiatrists

Westbank Day Unit, Falkirk

K. W. Brown, Consultant Psychiatrist^*

Central Scotland Healthcare, Bellsdyke Hospital, Bellsdyke Road, Larbert FK5 4SF

^* Correspondence

This survey examined Scottish psychiatrists' attitudes to physical examination and appropriate investigations in the routine assessment of new out-patients with a major depressive disorder. A discrepancy exists between current opinion towards and actual practice of physical examination in the assessment of new out-patients with depression. Numerous obstacies to performing investigations were identified including lack of time, inadequate consulting rooms, lack of equipment and lack of chaperon. The many obstacies identified are considerable but not insurmountable. Missed diagnoses may have adverse consequences for patients as well as medico-legal implications.