The views of Otago urban and rural general practitioners on mental health services.

AIM: To examine the views of Otago general practitioners (GPs) about local mental health services and their role in providing such health care.

METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to all GPs working in Otago.

RESULTS: 100 replies (59%) were received. There were large differences between GPs in the estimated numbers of patients with psychiatric conditions they were seeing. 85% were keen on sharing management of patients with mental health services. Average confidence levels for diagnosis and management of depression and anxiety were good. GPs felt less confident about psychosis, somatisation, eating and personality disorders. Obstacles to GPs doing more mental health work included time, cost, access to specialist services and training. On balance, GPs viewed the present mental health services as adequate.

CONCLUSIONS: GPs appeared prepared to do more mental health work if the barriers of cost and time could be overcome and they were provided with adequate education and backup from specialised services.