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Primary care support for youth mental health: a preliminary evidence base for Ireland’s Mid-West

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Abstract

Background

Mental and substance use disorders are leading causes of morbidity. Prevention/treatment amongst young people are global health priorities. International data have highlighted primary care and general practice as important in addressing these.

Aims

Survey of 128 physicians (GPs) in Ireland’s Mid-West (Counties Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary) to document the spectrum of youth mental health problems, describe strategies adopted by GPs in dealing with these, identify barriers (perceived by GPs) to effective care of young mental health patients and collate GP proposals for improved care of this cohort.

Methods

Self-administered questionnaire on physician and practice demographics, case management and barriers to care in youth mental health.

Results

Thirty-nine GPs (31 %) responded. Mental health and family conflict represented the most frequent reasons why young people attended GPs. Depression, anxiety, family conflict, suicidal thoughts/behaviour, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were the most common issues followed by substance abuse and antisocial behaviours. GP referral practices for young people with mental/substance use disorders varied, with distinctions between actual and preferred management due to insufficient access to dedicated youth services and training. GPs stated need for improved access to existing services (i.e., Psychiatry, counseling/psychology, social/educational interventions). A number of GPs surveyed were located, or provided care, in Limerick’s ‘Regeneration Areas’. Young people in these areas predominantly attended GPs due to mental/substance use issues and antenatal care, rather than acute or general medical problems.

Conclusions

GPs play an important role in meeting youth mental health needs in this region and, in particular, in economically deprived urban areas.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a research award from the Limerick Regeneration Agencies.

Conflict of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

    D. Healy, S. Naqvi, D. Meagher, W. Cullen & C. Dunne

Authors
  1. D. Healy
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  2. S. Naqvi
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  3. D. Meagher
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  4. W. Cullen
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  5. C. Dunne
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Dunne.

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Healy, D., Naqvi, S., Meagher, D. et al. Primary care support for youth mental health: a preliminary evidence base for Ireland’s Mid-West. Ir J Med Sci 182, 237–243 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-012-0868-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-012-0868-8

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