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Determinants of general practitioner recognition of psychological problems in a multi-ethnic inner-city health district

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

S. M. Odell ,
P. G. Surtees ,
N. W. J. Wainwright ,
M. J. Commander  and
S. P. Sashidharan
S. M. Odell*
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry
P. G. Surtees
Affiliation:
MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, University Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2SR
N. W. J. Wainwright
Affiliation:
MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, University Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2SR
M. J. Commander
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry
S. P. Sashidharan
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry
*
S. M. Odell, Academic Unit, Northern Birmingham Mental Health Trust, Trust Headquarters, 71 Fentham Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6AL
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Abstract

Background

With few exceptions, evaluation of the capacity of general practitioners (GPs) to recognise psychiatric disorder in their patients has failed to consider the role of ethnic diversity in the consultation process and whether such knowledge can improve understanding of the degree to which psychiatric morbidity is recognised within GP settings.

Methods

This research was completed in five general practices representative of all those within an inner-city health district. Psychiatric morbidity in patients consecutively attending the practices was then assessed using the General Health Questionnaire; in addition, GPs were asked to complete a checklist of current problems identified during each consultation.

Results

Analysis suggested that Asian and Black patients were less likely than White patients to have psychological problems identified; that social problems and a psychiatric history facilitated recognition; and that current physical illness hindered recognition.

Conclusions

GP recognition of psychological problems varies according to patient ethnicity but can be substantially masked by both the physical and social circumstances of patients at consultation.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 6 , December 1997 , pp. 537 - 541
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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