Patients, Psychiatric Problems, and Nonpsychiatrist Physicians in a Prepaid Group Practice Medical Program

Nonpsychiatric physicians in a prepaid medical care program diagnosed 15 percent of their patients to have a psychiatric problem. This report reviews the patients' awareness of their psychiatric problems and their assessment of the nonpsychiatric medical care received and gives an overview of all services given in connection with their condition.

Patients with psychiatric problems considered their illnesses to be of more recent onset than did their physicians, but both were in agreement that in many instances the problem was minor or not primary. With qualifications, the patients in this study felt that physicians could be helpful. Views of these patients toward drugs, friends, specified outside activities, etc., as a means of helping people who are nervous or depressed are presented. Over-all, patients are not optimistic about such aids or activities. About one out of four patients reported being helped by a psychiatrist.

Patients, in the main, expressed satisfaction with medical and ancillary services received. Nevertheless, this medical group felt that patients with psychiatric problems needed specific psychiatric services and initiated such benefits in their prepaid program. Studies to evaluate the effect of such benefits are planned.