abstract: A Primary Care Program in old age psychiatry: Background, implementation and first experiences. Since 1999, the GP has been assigned the role of the "gatekeeper of mental health care". The aim of which is to treat as many mental problems as possible in primary health care. The generally complicated mental health problems in the elderly confront the GP with difficult diagnostic, treatment, and referral issues. Psychological problems are often masked by somatic complaints and rarely lead to referrals or adequate treatment. Many GPs use support programmes from second-line mental health care, yet nearly all these programs are executed by mental health care units for adults. In mid-western Utrecht, GPs have indicated a distinctive requirement for a support programme specifically aimed at elderly people with mental problems. The specific characteristics of elderly people, who are likely to develop somatic and psychiatric co-morbidity, and cognitive deterioration, require tailored support in primary care. The first results of a support programme for the elderly in primary care are encouraging. Further research will show whether the EPO has sufficient added value for both the GP and the patient to justify large-scale introduction.
authors.forename: R J P
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Coenen
authors.forename: A J P
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schrijvers
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Heeren