title: [The role of the primary care physician in the care of the psychotic patient].
abstract: The primary care physician (PCP) plays an important role in the outpatient care of psychotic patients, particularly in the early detection of these disorders. Through the PCP's status as a trusted individual who knows the patient and his/her family, his/her opinion and attitude influence treatment acceptance and, consequently, the prognosis. By ensuring the continuity of care, in collaboration with a psychiatrist, the PCP helps prevent relapse and the evolution towards chronicity and long-term handicaps. A high incidence of cardiopulmonary disease and concomitant substance abuse in the population of chronic psychotic patients, as well as the monitoring of potential somatic side effects of psychotropic medication, require regular somatic follow-up by the PCP.
authors.affiliation: Service de psychiatrie adulte, Département de psychiatrie, HUG, Belle-Idée 2, Chemin du Petit-Bel-Air, 1225 Chêne-Bourg. manuela.etter@hcuge.ch
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Etter
authors.forename: Andri
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meiler
mesh_terms: D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders