title: [Mental health and general practice in Macao].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mental health disturbances and similar complaints within the general practice of Macao. From 1993 to 1995, 0.5% or 2-3 in each 1000 inhabitants per year, consulted their general practitioner (GP), with at least one of these complaints or symptoms. This also means that 1% of all the enrolled people in all the health centres (P.H.C.) were observed at least once a year, with health problems of this order. At the same time, 1% of all the general practitioner's consultations had been codified (ICHPPC-2 defined) with at least one of the selected 20 codes, defining mental problems (V and VI chapter). In spite of this we consider these values lower than the reality, concerning the peoples' cultural and social environment. One of the most important reasons may be the deficient training of PHC doctors on this subject. To improve the quality of the mental health care in general practice we suggest complementary training and a continuous supervision of a consulting psychiatrist. Each health centre or each small group of health centres should have one nominated psychiatrist to answer promptly to all the mental problems and help requested by GPs.
authors.affiliation: Serviços de Saúde de Macau.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pereira
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008256:Macau / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data