998 consecutive adult PC patients (678 (67,9%) women and 320 (32.1%) men) were evaluated for psychiatric disorders, using MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Information on the clinical diagnoses and treatment was obtained from the patient's medical records.

Major depressive episode (MDE) was found in 15.2%, anxiety disorders were found in 26.3% (generalized anxiety disorder in 18.1%, suicidality in 6.1% and alcohol misuse in 34.8%) PC patients, according MINI. Of all respondents, 266 (26.7%) were diagnosed as having at least one current MD (or MDE, or one of four anxiety disorders): 60 (18.8%) of men and 206 (30.4%) of women (p<0.001). The anxiety disorders were stronger associated with psychiatric treatment in women (OR=2.94; 95 CI 2.0-4.33), particularly in the category of cardiovascular diseases (OR=2.32; 95% CI 1.09-4.94), but there was also a significant association with diabetes mellitus in men (OR=5.54; 95% CI 1.6-19.18). The most common reasons for patients to seek a PC doctor consultation were cardiovascular diseases (31.5%), administrative/'no complaints” cases (17.6%), acute respiratory tract disease (10.4%), muscle-skeletal/connective tissue disease (6.9%).

Our findings suggest that MD are highly prevalent and co-morbid with each other, and with general medical conditions in PC.MD are prevalent and co-morbid in administrative/ “no complaints” PC attendees.