Influence of comorbid depression and diagnostic workup on diagnosis of physical illness: a randomized experiment.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Patients with mental illness are less likely to receive the same physical healthcare as those without mental illness and are less likely to be treated in accordance with established guidelines. This study employed a randomized experiment to investigate the influence of comorbid depression on diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Physicians were presented with an interactive vignette describing a patient with a complex presentation of pernicious anemia. They were randomized to diagnose either a patient with or without (control) comorbid depression and related behaviors. All other clinical information was identical. Physicians recorded a differential diagnosis, ordered tests, and rated patient likeability.

Results

Fifty-nine physicians completed the study. The patient

SUBMITTER: Isbell LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11661558 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature