The treatment of anxiety disorders in a primary care HMO setting

Psychiatr Q. 2000 Spring;71(1):31-45. doi: 10.1023/a:1004662600803.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are common, yet under diagnosed, in primary care settings. Many patients with anxiety and other psychiatric disorders do not seek care in mental health care settings. An integrated primary care/mental health model offers one approach to improving outcomes for patients with anxiety disorders. This model has been researched for the treatment of depression with positive results but has not been well studied for the treatment of anxiety disorders. We describe the results of care for a cohort of adult patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and clinically significant anxiety secondary to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treated in an integrated model. Compared to a matched cohort of adults treated in a primary care setting with usual care, the intervention cohort experienced significantly improved reduction in symptoms of anxiety at 6 months. The intervention cohort also was significantly more satisfied with care.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Maintenance Organizations / organization & administration*
  • Health Maintenance Organizations / standards
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome