Treatment of mental health problems in general practice: a survey of psychotropics prescribed and other treatments provided

Abstract

Real-life data on the treatment of patients with mental health problems are important as a reference to evaluate care and benchmarking. This study describes the treatment of mental health problems in general practice as diagnosed by general practitioners (GP). Data on mental health problems were available from structured psychiatric interviews in the general population and data on mental health problems diagnosed by general practitioners. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment data were taken from patients records held electronically in general practices. GPs diagnosed a mental health problem in 13.2% of the 1,756 cases examined and 86% of these patients were treated by the GPs themselves. Of the 16% referrals, the majority were referred within primary care. Nearly all patients with a mental health problem received counseling or advice from their GP. Half of the patients with a medication-related disorder, a (single) mood disorder or an (single) anxiety disorder and all patients with a combined anxiety and depressive disorder received a prescription for psychotropic drugs (antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines). Nearly all patients with a sleep disorder received a prescription for benzodiazepine. In patients with psychosocial problems, 20% received benzodiazepines. The majority of mental health problems, when professionally treated, are treated in primary care. More than half the patients are treated with antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines. Most patients also receive supportive counseling or advice.