The Medical journal of Australia
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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 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.
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To determine the type and frequency of emergencies in general practice, and the extent to which general practices are equipped to appropriately respond to emergencies. ⋯ A substantial number of patients with potentially life-threatening emergencies present to GPs. Doctor's bag emergency drugs are available in most general practices, but availability of basic emergency equipment is suboptimal.
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To determine in patients attending general practice 1) the extent of comorbidity of mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse, and consequent disability; and 2) GPs' diagnosis and management of patients with comorbidity. ⋯ Comorbidity of mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse is common in patients attending general practice, and results in considerable disability. Such patients receive inadequate attention (diagnosis and management) from GPs. GPs identifying one of these two types of behaviour disorder in a patient should ascertain whether the other type is also present.
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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.