Pathways to Psychiatric Care in South Manchester

Abstract

Of 250 patients newly referred to the mental illness services of South Manchester, almost two-thirds were referred directly by their GPs; a further third were referred by hospital doctors. Non-medical sources of referral accounted for only 2% of new cases. Patients with somatic problems had the longest interval between seeking care and referral to the psychiatric services. Being employed was associated with a longer delay before seeking care; among women, those living with their husbands or children had longer total intervals between the onset of the problem and arrival at the psychiatric services.

The attitudes of clergy in Benin City, Nigeria towards persons with mental illness

“…6,7 Over half of lay persons surveyed in Nigeria believe that supernatural or spiritual factors cause mental illness. [9][10][11] It is unsurprising therefore that in some reports lay persons believe care could best be obtained from nonmedical sources such as the clergy or traditional healers.…”

Do We Need New Antidepressants?

“…50 # 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. setting and about 60% continue with their normal occupation despite their illness (Gater and Goldberg, 1991). The behavioural toxicity of TCAs is associated with an increased risk of accidents, for example at work (Cuvvie et al) or when driving (Ray et al).…”

Clinical significance of psychiatric disorder in the general hospital

“…It is unfortunate that recent increasing evidence of the scope for psychiatric interventions, of the clinical rate, of consultation-liaison psychiatry (Mayou & Huyse, 1991) and of the current importance of the general hospitals as a pathway to specialist psychiatric care (Gater & Goldberg, 1991) has been overshadowed by professional and political concentration on community care. Local and national policies rarely make more than a token mention of services for general hospital attenders.…”

“…Very little is referred to liaison psychiatry or other psychiatric services (Wallen et a/., 1987). Even so, the general hospital is a major pathway to specialist psychiatric services, especially for patients presenting to emergency departments with attempted suicide or overt psychiatric disorder (Gater & Goldberg, 1991).…”