RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Help-seeking preferences for psychological distress in primary care:
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 694
OP 698
DO 10.3399/bjgp08X342174
VO 58
IS 555
A1 Kate Walters
A1 Marta Buszewicz
A1 Scott Weich
A1 Michael King
YR 2008
UL http://bjgp.org/content/58/555/694.abstract
AB Background There is much debate over when it is appropriate to intervene medically for psychological distress, and limited evidence on patients' perspectives about a broad range of possible treatment options. It is currently unclear whether preferences may differ for those patients with milder symptoms compared to those experiencing more severe distress.Aim To determine patient preferences for professional, informal, and alternative help for psychological distress in primary care, and the impact of their current mental state on these.Design of study Cross-sectional survey in seven general practices across suburban/urban London.Method Participants were 1357 consecutive general practice attenders aged 18 years and over. The main outcome measure was the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version and a questionnaire on help-seeking preferences.Results Overall, only 47% of participants reported wanting ‘some help’ if feeling stressed, worried, or low and it was affecting their daily life. Those currently experiencing mild-to-moderate distress preferred informal sources of help such as friends/family support, relaxation/yoga, exercise/sport, or massage along with general advice from their GP and talking therapies. Self-help (books/leaflets or computer/internet) was not popular at any level of distress, and less favoured by those with mild-tomoderate distress (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35 to 0.70). Those experiencing severe distress were much more likely to want talking therapies (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 2.85 to 4.14), tablets (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 2.00 to 4.71), and support groups (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.72 to 5.47).Conclusion People with mild-to-moderate distress appear to prefer informal sources of help and those involving human contact, compared to medication or self-help. This has implications for the implementation of potential interventions for psychological distress in primary care.