The Medical journal of Australia
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To determine the rate and predictors of unmet need for recognition of common mental disorders in Australian general practice. ⋯ Unmet need for recognition of common mental disorders remains high. Predictors of unmet need include a somatic symptom profile and practitioner and organisational characteristics which impede the provision of high quality mental health services.
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To develop and validate a self-report screening tool for common mental disorders. ⋯ A classification system based on the 12 items from the 34-item SPHERE questionnaire can be used to identify common mental disorders. This system has acceptable validity and reliability, and is suited specifically for general practice settings.
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To evaluate the effects of a seminar-based training program and clinical practice audit on general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and management of common mental disorders. ⋯ Clinical audits may heighten awareness of mental disorders, but, on their own, they do not improve mental health practice. A relatively brief but skills-based training program may contribute to better management of patients with common mental disorders by increasing GPs' confidence and competence.
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To determine the variation in prevalence of common mental disorders and general practitioner (GP) responses across Australian general practices, and to identify practice characteristics that predict these rates. ⋯ We identified patient, GP and practice characteristics that predict rates of mental disorder and treatments provided. These could be used to guide mental health service reform in general practice and assist with targeting relevant education and practice support programs.