Use of psychiatric referral by family physicians.
The family physician occupies a critical place in the detection and management of mental health problems. Optimal case management requires an awareness of individual limitations and effective use of a psychiatric consultant. The consultant must understand the unique relationship between the patient and the family physician. Several historical biases may impede the physician's use of psychiatric consultation and the patient's acceptance of psychiatric treatment options.
D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011570:Psychiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation