Physical Examinations in Psychiatric Practice in Ohio

In 1974 members of the Ohio Psychiatric Association were surveyed to determine the extent to which psychiatrists performed physical examinations and their attitudes toward conducting such examinations. Responses from 222 psychiatrists showed that most believed psychiatric patients should have a physical examination, but that it should be conducted by a physician other than a psychiatrist. Those who felt more confident in their diagnostic skills tended to perform examinations more frequently than psychiatrists who were unsure of their skills. Regardless of whether they performed examinations, the respondents were almost universal in the belief that their medical training and experience added an important dimension to their skills.