Substance use, depression, and mental health functioning in patients seeking acute medical care in an inner-city ED.

摘要: The study investigated the behavioral health of a consecutive sample 5,641 adult emergency department (ED) patients aged 19 through 60 presenting for medical care in large, inner-city hospital ED. Twenty-three percent met criteria major depression; average mental functioning, as measured by component SF-12, was half standard deviation lower than general population; 15% alcohol or drug abuse/dependence past year. Comorbidity high. These disorders may complicate treatment and diagnosis chief complaint. findings, coupled with high rates these disorders, suggest importance screening either beginning appropriate offering referral such ED settings.