Psychiatry professionals are integral, but family doctors also play a vital role in mental health. In fact, primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first line of defense for mental illness. Despite that, family doctors often learn little about mental health during traditional schooling. That makes mental health in primary care a crucial, if understudied, topic.
Mental Health in Family Medicine
Primary care providers are well-positioned to help patients access mental health services. In fact, one analysis found nearly 60% of patients receiving mental health treatment get it from their PCP.
Many people experience anxiety, stress, depression or insomnia, among other conditions. However, they may not always be able (or want) to seek care from a behavioral health specialist.
Regardless, this puts family doctors in a prime position to assist their patients with psychiatric concerns. In doing so, they can:
- Increase accessibility to treatment
- Reduce the stigma around mental health
- Make appropriate referrals to specialists
- Circumvent barriers to care, such as cost or transportation
Plus, mental health issues can exacerbate physical concerns—and vice versa. Thus, by treating one aspect, you may also be helping the other.
What Does the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Say?
In a position paper about mental health in primary care, the AAFP offered these recommendations for physicians:
- Maintain knowledge of current mental health best practices
- Be aware of risk factors like inequities and the social determinants of health (SDoH)
- Collaborate with or integrate mental health professionals into your practice
- Consider mental well-being a cornerstone of primary care
Following these suggestions should improve your approach to patient-centered primary care.
What Primary Care Doctors Can Do for Mental Health
While it may be easy to see why psychiatric knowledge is beneficial for PCPs, putting it into practice is another story. However, there are several ways physicians are involved in mental health care, including:
Mental Health Screenings
Many primary care offices conduct screenings for depression and anxiety. These evaluations may help you spot concerns early, making it easier to treat patients.
Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for depression in the general population. Doctors should also assess nonverbal cues and ask the right questions to elicit further information.
Lifestyle Factors
Primary care doctors are in an ideal position to address a patient’s lifestyle and SDoH, as both can directly affect mental health (and vice versa). For instance, chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions can affect a person’s emotional well-being. But their mental health could affect their exercise, diet and sleep.
If you believe lifestyle changes may support your patient’s mental health, examples of recommendations you may make include:
- Informing patients about social supports, including family, friends or community groups
- Recommending and teaching patients breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques
- Educating patients about other useful resources, such as meditation apps or mental health hotlines
- Prescribing physical activity by helping patients set realistic and accessible goals (e.g., gym membership versus free exercise videos).
Encouraging patients to make these lifestyle changes is a win-win, as it can benefit their mental and physical well-being.
Medication Management
Primary care doctors also play a crucial role in prescribing medication for managing mental illnesses. For example, you could prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants.
Additionally, you can determine if the medications are working or causing side effects, and make adjustments as needed.
Referrals
Of course, some psychiatric concerns require more care than family doctors can provide. Signs your patient may need additional help include:
- Increased symptom severity
- More complex conditions
- Comorbidities
- Risk of harm to themselves or others
PCPs can refer patients to therapists, psychiatrists or other behavioral health providers. You could also recommend online therapy platforms, community programs and support groups.
Why Family Doctors Should Know Mental Health
As a patient’s PCP, you should already have a relationship built on trust and empathy. The person may feel safe coming to you, especially if they face barriers to mental health care.
Additionally, background knowledge in psychiatry is crucial to making referrals and medication decisions.
Plus, studies have found that incorporating mental health into primary care can lead to better physical health outcomes, helping reduce costs for practices and patients.
How Continuing Medical Education (CME) Assists With Psychiatry and Primary Care
Continuing education is part of your job as a medical provider, and you can tailor it to your needs. If you want to address mental health in primary care more confidently, CME can help.
Browse our upcoming events today to find seminars about psychiatry and other critical topics!