[Utilization of the health system and acceptance of psychosocial professionals]

The study presents the results of a representative survey on the utilization of the health system and subjective attitudes to the psychosocial professions, based on the responses of 2179 subjects aged 16 to 96 years. The residents of Germany frequently seek medical and non-medical help in cases of illness or health-related problems. General practitioners are consulted most of all, but medical specialists also play a significant role. Women seek professional help more than men and the demand increases with age. Comparisons between West and East Germany reflect a few persistent qualitative differences. Doctors from the psychosocial fields (psychotherapists, psychiatrists) are consulted least of all. Utilization of psychotherapy is deficient, information about the existence of the psychosocial professions is poor and acceptance of their competence relatively low. However, the high proportion of those who have sought out a psychotherapist on the advice of a doctor demonstrates the high latent readiness to accept help in this field when needed. The particular responsibility of primary doctors in influencing attitudes here is thereby underlined.