Psychiatric problems and preferences for instruction; an appraisal of reports by three hundred thirty-eight general practitioners.

Abstract

The interests of nonpsychiatrist physicians in various aspects of psychiatry and their attitudes toward psychiatrists were studied by a questionnaire method, with responses from 338 nonpsychiatrists. In addition, the literature was surveyed for publications on the subject of postgraduate courses in psychiatry for general practitioners. The purpose was to plan more satisfactory courses of this kind and in general to improve the cooperation between nonpsychiatrists and psychiatrists in the management of emotional illness. The results of the study showed that communication between the two groups was not altogether satisfactory. General practitioners varied markedly as to the frequency with which they encountered or recognized psychiatric problems. They were not so much interested in questions in referral as in medical and physical therapy. As to courses of instruction, their preferences were for clinical representations with adequate emphasis on neurology.