The Medical journal of Australia
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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 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 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 determine from self-report how often people with anxiety and depressive disorders consult GPs and what treatment they receive. ⋯ Many people who could benefit from treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders are not being reached. If people were registered with a general practice it would be possible for GPs to take a proactive stance that could result in greater benefit to patients at a lower cost to the health system.