Youth mental health competencies in regional general practice. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Oliver; Bergmann, Jessica; Schall, Ulrich
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 29:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: youth mental health -- general practitioners -- at-risk mental state -- early intervention -- pathways to care; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856220970058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: General practitioners (GPs) are key health professionals for referrals to mental health specialists. Youth mental health issues are particularly challenging, requiring a competent assessment and understanding of appropriate referral pathways. We surveyed local GPs about their understanding of youth mental health problems and needs to competently look after young patients. Methods: GPs working in the Hunter region were contacted via email, fax and post over a 6-month period in 2019. Results: Seventy-five GPs participated. They reported 577 of 1698 (34%) of young people seen 2 weeks prior to being surveyed presented with a mental health problem. Predominantly, referrals were to private practice psychologists and Headspace. Almost a third (31%) reported having limited understanding of 'at-risk mental state' and are 'not always comfortable' when facing a young person with a mental health problem. Nearly all (95%) expressed interest in attending specialised training. GPs identified treatment costs, scarce access to psychiatrists and limited patient engagement as the main obstacles to help young people. Conclusions: Effective treatment of a mental health problem relies on early identification. GPs are seeing young people on a regular basis but don't feel well equipped for this task and are keen to up-skill, which needs to be addressed by targeted training.