Primary Mental Health Care in Rural Greece: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Economic Indicators of the Situation of Areas (as compared to city residents) such as average income, education, poverty, unemployment rates and employers who do not provide health insurance are some facts that making this population vulnerable. Factors that affect the Condition of Rural Populations are: disproportionately large numbers of young and elderly people, health risks, abuse, family violence and neglect, climatic (weather) Geographical isolation, lack of access to healthcare and lack of resources for mental health services The purpose of this retrospective study is to present dada from a Mental Health center of the Psychiatric Sector of a regional General Hospital in the 3-year period 2013-2015. Material and Methods: This is an epidemiological study. The collection of data was performed with a specially designed for the purpose of the study form that included the recording of data. In particular, race, age, gender, marital status were recorded. In addition, level of education, diagnosis according to ICD 10 and other clinical data. Results: Common mental disorders experienced by patients visiting the Mental Health Center were recurrent depressive episodes, schizophrenia, depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder. Conclusions: This Mental Health Center, have treated both Greeks and foreigners, as well as patients residing outside of his sector. The main diagnoses for patients were recurrent depressive episodes, schizophrenia, depressive episodes, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Most patients were instructed and suggested a follow up examination. About half of the patients were stable, one third had an improvement, and only 15% had deteriorated their condition. Patients who were aggravated were significantly younger and had a follow up examination.