In total, 1383/1528 (91%) of the eligible patients approached had completed the questionnaire. A further 311 were approached but excluded as they were unable to complete a written questionnaire in English. Twenty-six participants were excluded due to incomplete data. In the sample 920 (69%) were women and the mean age was 41.6 years (standard deviation [SD] = 16.9, range 18–98 years). Using a 2/3 case threshold on the GHQ-12, 632/1357 (47%) were potentially psychologically distressed. Of these, 343/1357 (25%) scored 3–6 (mild-to-moderate distress) and 289/1357 (21%) scored 7 or more (severe distress).
How this fits in
There is much debate about the need for medical intervention for mild-tomoderate psychological distress in primary care, and a weak evidence base for interventions. Little is known about patient preferences across a range of informal and complementary as well as health-professional options. This study shows that patients with milder symptoms preferred informal sources of help and simple advice from their GP over more formal interventions. The severely distressed group showed stronger preferences for formal ‘talking therapies’ and were less likely to want to talk to family and friends, which supports current guidance for reserving these for more severe disorders.