Pathways to the First Contact with Specialist Mental Health Care

Abstract

The data suggest that social and cultural factors influence the range of professionals consulted by those with a mental illness but do not delay their presentation to public mental health services.

Patterns of admission to acute psychiatric in-patient facilities: a national survey in Italy

“…Moreover, in the month prior to admission, most patients were being cared for by mental health professionals and mostly in the public sector (CMHCs, UPCs and drug addiction services) ; this phenomenon was more frequent for participants with psychotic disorders, indicating that pathways to admission for more severe, disabling disorders are generally preceded by consultation with a mental health professional (Amaddeo et al 2001 ;Issakidis & Andrews, 2006). However, contacts with non-professional healers, such as psychics or clairvoyants, were uncommon, in line with the findings of Steel et al (2006).…”

Mental health system in Saudi Arabia: an overview

“…Many patients with mental health problems in SA are first seen by primary care physicians,62,63 which is different than in such countries as Japan, where patients first seek care in mental health facilities, general hospitals, or hospitals in the private sector 64. Thus, information on the training of PHC staff with regard to mental health screening and psychiatric referral in SA is essential 25–27,32,33…”

Pathways to tertiary care adopted by individuals with psychiatric illness

“…40% of Japanese patients reach psychiatrists directly, while the others are referred by private practitioners or by other specialists in general hospitals (Fujisawa et al, 2008). An Australian study reported that patients with mental health problems often need to make an average of three professional consultations prior to first contact with public mental health services, and the median time to reach specialist help was six months, with a shorter time for patients with psychotic disorders (Steel et al, 2006); 53% of patients initially consult a general practitioner (Steel et al, 2006). Similar studies carried out in the developing countries like Nigeria, revealed that, the prayer house (34.5%), followed by a psychiatric hospital (32%), private clinic (15.9%), or a traditional healer (13.6%), were the treatment options employed in that order by mentally ill patients (Aniebue and Oseloka, 2009).…”