Behavioral disorders: an unrecognized epidemic with implications for providers.
It is reported that behavioral and mood-related problems are associated with more than 25% of medical visits. Many patients seeking help are misdiagnosed or not effectively treated by their physicians. We believe that medical education has not prepared primary care providers to evaluate and treat behavioral problems. The traditional medical or biological model needs to be replaced by a more integrated and comprehensive biopsychosocial approach. HMO delivery systems should take the lead in developing this new framework for care.
Epstein
A L
AL
Harvard Community Health Plan, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Budd
M A
MA
Cole
S A
SA
D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017145:Models, Educational; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology