Unmet need for mental health care within the Dutch population: exploring the role of GP

Abstract

General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in mental health care. Not only are they tasked with the recognition, but they also play a role in the treatment of mental health problems. The levels of unmet need for mental health are high worldwide. However, there is very little information on unmet needs for mental health in general practices. In this study we assess the prevalence of unmet needs subjectively and objectively and explore the role of the GP. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with questions regarding the patient’s perspective on mental health treatment, obtainment of treatment and the role of the GP, and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). When combining the results of the GHQ-12 with the personal perspective, a total of 21% of the participants (n=538) were found to be in need of mental care. Forty-four percent of the participants with a need for mental care did not receive any form of treatment in the past year. Half of the patients with a need for care had recently visited their GP. Both participants with and without an unmet need would appreciate the GP briefly asking about their mental health (69% vs. 63%, p=0.258) during regular consultations. A significant proportion of patients in need of mental health care do not receive treatment. The GP is in a good position to ask about mental issues, as people with unmet needs regularly visit the GP.