Who gets mental health treatment from the GP? Results from the Israel National Epidemiological Mental Health Survey.

Background: In view of the pending mental health (MH) reform, an increase in demand of MH services is expected. Primary care physicians will presumably be involved in meeting this expected increased demand.

Objectives: To identify the preferable route of service use of populations with MH problems based on data from the Israel National Health Survey (INHS).

Methods: The sample was drawn from the INHS which assessed mental disorders as well as the existence of chronic physical diseases in the population and the use of services for MH problems (specialty and primary care). The examined variables were (i) the existence of any mood or anxiety disorder and its severity, (ii) suffering from a chronic physical disease, (iii) use of MH services and (iv) use of general health services for MH problems.

Results: Fifty-one per cent of all those treated for MH problems were treated in the MH specialty sector and 49% in the general sector. Among those who met the diagnostic Composite International Diagnostic Interview criteria of any mood or anxiety disorder, the percentages were 62% and 38%, respectively. Irrespective of diagnosis, the proportion of those using the services of the GP is significantly greater among people above the age 50 years than among younger people.

Conclusions: People with emotional problems above the age of 50 years are more likely to prefer help for their problems from their GP regardless of the presence of any mental disorder or of a chronic medical disease.