Psychiatric morbidity in patients referred to an insomnia clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a common complaint associated with psychiatric disorders. Detection and diagnosis of insomnia can be a challenge at the primary care level. Patients often present with various kinds of psychological symptoms. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and careful assessments are crucial in eliciting signs and symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis of primary insomnia or a psychiatric disorder.
METHODS: This study was undertaken at the end of 2005, and is a retrospective review of all patients referred to the Insomnia Clinic and seen by the principal author in a three-year period between 2002 and 2005. Relevant data was collected from the medical records of patients who attended the clinic during this period.
RESULTS: In this study of 141 patients seen at an Insomnia Clinic, 47.5 percent had primary insomnia, while 52.5 percent had a primary diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. 41.1 percent of those diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder had comorbid psychiatric disorders and 4.3 percent had substance abuse problems.
CONCLUSION: The various psychiatric disorders present in this group of patients highlight the need for careful assessment and recognition of these associations.