Main description:

This text presents an explanation of the link between the evidence of mental illness in primary care, as revealed by epidemiology, and actual patient need. How research into patterns of disease can influence the resources and practices employed in primary care are also discussed. The text demonstrates how how psychiatrists and GP's can plan and run their community services more effectively and explains how appropriate practices can be implemented with ease.

Contents:

Section 1: The Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in Primary Care; General Practice; Consulting; The extent of psychiatric disorders in primary care; The nature of mental disorders seen; The detection of mental disorders by GP's; Referral to secondary services; Overview of mental disorders in primary care; Section 2: Management of Mental Disorders; Management of disorders by GP's; Management by other professionals; Liaison between GP's and Psychiatrists; Treatment approaches in General Practice; The need for treatment and models of delivery; Section 3: The Need for Treatment and Models of Delivery; Need for psychiatric care; Meeting the need; The Future