[Pathways to psychiatric care. II. "Psie Pole" epidemiological catchment area]

The aim of this research was to draw a pathway diagram for people with mental disorders in Psie Pole epidemiological catchment area, which significantly differs from Zabkowice epidemiological catchment area because of urbanisation and social status of citizens. Then to compare data characterising both pathways diagrams.

In the period of two months between 1st February 2001 and 31st March 2001 all patients age 15 and over who applied to the Psychiatric Service in the "Psie Pole" epidemiological catchment area, were assessed by psychiatrists for their eligibility to enter the study. Those who had fulfilled the entry criteria were interviewed using a Polish version of WHO's encounter form (EF) by the mental health professionals during their initial interview. Data from both catchment areas were compared.

In the "Psie Pole" and "Zabkowice" catchments areas the main pattern of pathways to psychiatric care was similar. There were significant differences in the symptoms presented, diagnoses and intervals between both epidemiological catchment areas.

The urban/semi urban and social status differences didn't influence the pathways to psychiatric care in "Psie Pole" and "Zabkowice" catchment areas.