TITLE:
Difficult-to-Treat-Depression and GPs’ Role: Perceptions of Psychologists
AUTHORS:
Kay M. Jones, Leon Piterman
KEYWORDS:
GPs’ Role, Difficult-to-Treat-Depression
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.5 No.1,
December
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Since the
Australian Government introduced the “Better Access to Mental Health Services”
program in 2006, psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners (GPs)
have become increasingly involved in service provision for people seeking help
with mental health problems. The aim of this research was to a) explore
psychologists’ perceptions of difficult to treat depression (DTTD) and b)
explore what they thought about the GPs’ role in managing these patient given
that most patients are referred to psychologist by GPs. Methods: A previously
developed semi-structured interview schedule comprising six questions was used.
Seven psychologists participated in a focus group held in Melbourne. Data were
analysed using the framework method. Findings, including Discussion: While
psychologists understood the term DTTD it was suggested that using different
terms may limit understanding between health professionals. Rather than
diagnosing, psychologists were more likely to conduct further assessment
contextually to confirm GPs’ diagnosis. Communication with GPs was important,
particularly when managing “long-term” and suicidal patients. Management included
cognitive and behavioural interventions and referring to other mental health
services, psychiatrists and/or other allied health professionals. Referral to
psychiatrists could be difficult because of limited availability and for some
patients, prohibitive costs. Although psychologists discussed
non-pharmacological and/or complementary treatment options with patients, they
were more likely to rely on GPs to discuss/prescribe these options. Conclusion:
While generalisability may be limited, this study is the first to document some
understanding of psychologists perceptions of DTTD and the importance of GPs
and other health professionals’ role in managing this patient cohort.