Needs for mental health treatment among general practice attenders.
BACKGROUND
No study has directly assessed the need for mental health care among those consulting in general practice.


OBJECTIVE
To make a direct assessment of the needs for mental health care in people with non-psychotic disorders consulting their general practitioner.


METHODS
In a two-phase study design, consecutive general practice attenders aged 17-65 years were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. Needs for care were assessed using the community version of the Medical Research Council Needs for Care Assessment Schedule.


RESULTS
Three hundred and thirty-six people were interviewed. The overall prevalence of need was 27.3%. More than half of the consulters (59.6%) had unmet needs and a further 6.2% had partially met needs. Needs were met in 28.1% and unmeetable in 6.2%. The prevalence of unmet need in those with anxiety disorders was 13.9% and depressive disorders 9.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The unmet need for mental health treatment in primary care attenders is high.
Health Services Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. jed.boardman@slam.nhs.uk
Jed
J
Boardman
Carol
C
Henshaw
Sasi
S
Willmott
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence