1 in 9 patients visit primary care for mental health concerns - study reveals

Mental health concerns are as common as respiratory and cardiovascular complaints

Researchers at Duke University, after analysing millions of patient visits to primary care physicians, found that mental health concerns are second only to musculoskeletal complaints, such as aches and pains, in everyday care.

According to the study, one in nine patients sought care primarily for a mental health concern, a figure that increases to one in five for those in mid-life

Published recently in Nature Mental Health, the study indicated that the prevalence of mental health concerns is nearly equal to that of respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, surpassing infections, injuries, digestive health, skin conditions, urological problems, and sensory issues.

Led by Avshalom Caspi, the Edward M. Arnett Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, the researchers examined over 350 million primary care visits involving 4.8 million people from January 2006 to December 2019, as recorded by the Norwegian government.

Caspi noted that 12 per cent of all encounters with primary care physicians were for mental health problems, i.e. more than 40 million mental health visits out of the total.

While the majority of mental health concerns addressed by primary care physicians involved depression and anxiety, they also saw "diverse and complicated conditions," including psychosis.

The most common issues included depression, sleep disturbances, stress and anxiety, memory problems, and substance abuse.  But the list also included ADHD,  learning problems, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, sexual issues, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

Caspi emphasised that mental health concerns are widespread across all age groups, peaking in the 40s.

He advocates for better integration of mental health professionals into the primary care model.

He envisions a system where patients can easily access mental health support during their primary care visits.

"You go to see your GP and you've got a mental health problem. And they say 'let's go right down the hall and get you set up.'”

Caspi encouraged patients not to hesitate in discussing their mental health concerns with their doctors.

In England, people experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 to speak with a trained mental health professional. NHS England introduced the service for the first time last month (August).

Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, stated that the government is committed to ensuring mental health receives the same attention and focus as physical health as part of its plans to fix the “broken” healthcare system.

“For the first time, there is one number you can call whether you are feeling physically unwell or worried about your mental health to access the support you might need.”

In addition, Kinnock announced plans to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and expedite treatment, alongside efforts to reform the Mental Health Act.