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Psychological management by family physicians
M Olfson1, M M Weissman, A C Leon
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Primary care physicians provide psychological interventions more often than assumed. Nearly a quarter of patients received interventions like listening or advice for mental health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Mental Health Services
- Psychological Interventions
Background:
- Common assumption: primary care physicians rarely offer psychological interventions.
- This study investigates self-reported psychological interventions by family physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency and types of psychological interventions delivered by primary care physicians.
- To identify patient factors associated with receiving these interventions.
Main Methods:
- 937 primary care patients completed mental health screening forms.
- Physicians reported psychological interventions used during patient visits.
- A subgroup of patients (n=388) received diagnostic interviews.
Main Results:
- 24.1% of patients received at least one psychological intervention.
- Interventions included listening, advice, diagnosis discussion, and counseling.
- Patients with poor emotional health or positive screening for specific disorders were more likely to receive interventions.
Conclusions:
- Primary care physicians are more involved in psychological interventions than commonly believed.
- Findings challenge the assumption of limited physician involvement in mental health care.