[Patterns of care and socio-professional categories derived from DIM (Department of Medical Information) data regarding MGEN psychiatric management]

The influence of social factors (demographics, work statute, profession) on patterns of care like psychotropic drugs prescription, psychotherapeutic treatment or hospitalisation was studied on the population receiving care within the MGEN (a semiprivate health insurance system for the teaching related professions, the largest in France). This was possible by the use of a three year data bank (1992, 1993, 1994) where out and inpatients care were systematically recorded along some socio-demographics data in a rather detailed manner if provided within the system. The present study concerns 6,453 patients selected on the most frequent ICD 9 diagnoses as registered by the psychiatrist in charge of the patient: schizophrenia (acute, simple and persistent): 18.5% of the sample, manic-depressive psychosis 7.7%, and neurotic disorders (depressive disorders 38.3%, anxiety disorders 27% and mixed disorders 8.2%). For most of these diagnoses, hospitalization rates vary according the profession of the patient: teachers suffering from schizophrenia (simple) have higher rate of hospitalization than others professions; on the reverse university teachers and managers have the lowest rates of hospitalization for neurotic disorders. Duration of stay is rather identical within profession for psychotic disorders but again there are difference for neurotic disorders: blue collar workers, managers and university teachers have the lowest duration. Number of outpatients acts and provision of psychotherapeutic treatment either individual or group therapy show some variations between professions. Number of psychotropic drugs do not vary according profession but there is difference between men and women suffering from depressive disorders (2.97 for men, 2.72 for women). Neuroleptics are prescribed at the same rate but depot neuroleptics are prescribed mainly to blue collars workers, clerks and whose who are teaching technical matters; this applies only to men. These results are discussed according the context of the MGEN psychiatric health system.