[Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for emotional disorders by general practitioners. A systematic review]

The introduction of psychosomatic primary care provides for the first time the possibility for general practitioners to treat emotional and psychosomatic disorders and problems which in the past were often not recognized.

Using computer-based searches in data bases and journals we surveyed controlled studies in which general practitioners performed psychosocial interventions. The studies were assessed according to standardized procedures for systematic reviews.

A total of 9 studies were found which took place between 1966 and 2003. The clinical effects attained were usually limited and of short duration. Studies with specific therapeutic approaches in specific disorders showed the best results.

Psychosocial interventions by the general practitioner are effective, but there is need for improvement. Further conceptual development of structured psychosocial interventions which can be applied in the general practice for the most common emotional disorders is necessary. Considering the large number of patients with emotional disorders in primary care, these efforts will undoubtedly be worthwhile.