To analyze the clinical and demographic profile of psychiatric interconsultations in a pediatric ward of a Brazilian university hospital in 2008.

Review and statistical analysis, using SPSS, of the medical records of the 31 children/adolescents admitted to the Hospital from the University of Campinas-Brazil who required psychiatric assessment.

1,072 children/adolescents were hospitalized, with a total of 1,933 admissions. Psychiatric consultation was requested for 31(16 girls and 15 boys), 4(12.9%) were hospitalized more than once in 2008. Ages: 2 months-18 years old (mean: 9.9 ± 4.5). 19(61.3%) were white, 5(16.1%) mixed and 3(9.7%) black. Mothers were responsible for the children/adolescents in 23(74.5%) cases. 2(6.5%) children attended kindergarten and 19(61.3%), primary school. The permanence time varied between 1-199 days (mean: 24 ± 38.1). 8(25.8%) patients had psychiatric diagnoses at admission and were taking psychotropic drugs. 26(83.9%) had a positive clinical pediatric history. In 25(80.6%) patients the psychiatry diagnosed at least one mental disorder (more than one in 15-48.4% patients). Depressive mood disorders were the most prevalent. Psychiatric pharmacotherapy was used for 20(64.5%) patients and 17(54.8%) continued taking medication after discharge. Only 1 patient did not need referral after discharge. 1 patient died 7 months after the assessment.

The experience of being ill can have great emotional significance for children/adolescents and their families. The presence of a psychiatrist on staff can help the pediatrician in dealing with these situations, influencing therapy and prognosis.