Advances in psychiatric treatment in primary care

A Carteira de Serviços de Saúde do Município do Rio de Janeiro e as ações em saúde na Atenção Primária no Brasil

Resumo Objetivou-se identificar a oferta de ações e procedimentos pelas equipes de saúde da família (eSF), tendo por base a Carteira de Serviços (CS) do Município do Rio de Janeiro (MRJ) e os principais fatores associados a esta oferta, nos diferentes estratos populacionais. Foram utilizados dados do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, aplicado a 17.202 eSF, de junho a setembro de 2012 no Brasil. Foram variáveis desfecho: eSF pertencer ao MRJ; eSF ofertar todos os nove procedimentos da CS-MRJ. Foram conduzidas análises uni, bi e multivariada. Evidenciou-se melhor desempenho do MRJ em relação aos demais grandes centros urbanos (EP6#) (p < 5%) em 10 das 14 ações de saúde analisadas. O prontuário eletrônico apresentou 96% de implantação nas eSF do MRJ, contrastando com 34% nas dos EP6# e 14% no Brasil. Tanto no MRJ quanto no EP6# encontrou-se baixa oferta de serviços de saúde mental (cerca de 56%). Enquanto a oferta de procedimentos de baixa complexidade foi um problema maior nos grandes centros, a oferta de ações em saúde nas diferentes linhas de cuidado foi um problema maior nos municípios pequenos. No geral, o MRJ mostrou melhor desempenho quando comparado à média de municípios de grande porte. A carteira de serviço pareceu ser um importante instrumento gerencial.

Update on advances in psychiatric treatment in primary care

This article updates previous evidence on the role of primary care in the management of depression and related disorders, unexplained physical symptoms, and severe and enduring mental illness. Regarding depression and related disorders, there is now evidence for the benefits of non-medical interventions and collaborative care, providing alternatives to the simplistic over prescription of antidepressant medication. For severe and enduring illness, the emphasis in primary care is now on the effective management of comorbid physical health problems. The article also summarises best practice for the primary care assessment and management of dementia, including the need for holistic review of care quality and the potential benefits of collaborative care. Finally, it notes the growing emphasis on primary mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Brazilian multicentre study of common mental disorders in primary care: rates and related social and demographic factors

Mental health problems are common in primary health care, particularly anxiety and depression. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics in primary care in Brazil (Family Health Strategy). It involved a multicenter cross-sectional study with patients from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza (Ceará State) and Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul State), assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The rate of mental disorders in patients from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza and Porto Alegre were found to be, respectively, 51.9%, 53.3%, 64.3% and 57.7% with significant differences between Porto Alegre and Fortaleza compared to Rio de Janeiro after adjusting for confounders. Prevalence proportions of mental problems were especially common for females, the unemployed, those with less education and those with lower incomes. In the context of the Brazilian government's moves towards developing primary health care and reorganizing mental health policies it is relevant to consider common mental disorders as a priority alongside other chronic health conditions.

Common mental disorders in Petrópolis-RJ: a challenge to integrate mental health into primary care strategies

OBJECTIVE: Common mental disorders are present in more than 50% of patients attending primary care clinics. The main objectives of this study were to detect whether there is any special group of patients within the Family Health Strategy that should be considered to be in greater risk for common mental disorders and to recommend alternative interventions to aid these patients. METHOD: In 2002, a cross-sectional study on common mental disorders seen at Family Health Strategy centers was conducted in Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Common mental disorders were associated with women (OR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.82-4.32), younger than 45 years of age (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.01), with a monthly per capita family income of less than US$40.00 (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.20-2.39), and without a partner (OR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.22-2.39). Illiteracy was associated with common mental disorders among patients who were not extremely poor. Social support networks such as going often to church (OR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.89); participating in artistic and sporting activities (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.26-0.70) and having at least four trusted relatives or friends (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.31-0.91) was inversely associated with common mental disorders. DISCUSSION: Poor women with little social support represent a special group at risk for common mental disorders in the primary care setting. Some countries have developed special interventions to treat patients with common mental disorders in primary care. CONCLUSION: Mental health care programs could include evidence-based psychosocial interventions to assist women in overcoming the vicious circle of poverty and dealing with their mental disorders.

The PreFACE: A preoperative psychosocial screen for elective facial cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry patients

BACKGROUND

Currently no brief and objective screening protocol exists to assist surgeons and dentists in the identification of patients who are likely to report unsatisfactory outcomes after cosmetic surgery interventions. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationship between postoperative dissatisfaction and preoperative characteristics (psychiatric disturbance, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, dysmorphic concern, and body image), and (2) empirically derive a preoperative psychosocial screening instrument to identify patients who may require preoperative assessment or counseling.

METHODS

The sample composed of 84 patients (69 women and 15 men) undergoing elective cosmetic facial surgery or cosmetic dentistry. Before surgery, a self-report questionnaire was administered to the patients, which comprised questions designed to evaluate many of the psychosocial characteristics thought to be associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. Six months after surgery, a questionnaire was administered to the patients, which included items evaluating postoperative satisfaction.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that preoperative psychiatric disturbance, anxiety, depression, low appearance evaluation, and body areas dissatisfaction are psychosocial risk factors that indicate an increased likelihood of patient dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes. The PreFACE (Preoperative FAcial Cosmetic surgery Evaluation), a brief objective preoperative screening questionnaire that can be easily and efficiently administered to elective facial cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry patients, was empirically derived. It is able to identify most patients who are likely to express dissatisfaction and minimizes the selection of those who will express satisfaction. The PreFACE is recommended for validation using other cosmetic surgery populations.

CONCLUSIONS

The routine use of PreFACE is recommended for identification of patients who may benefit from preoperative counseling.

Reported differences in management strategies by primary care physicians and psychiatrists in older patients who are depressed

OBJECTIVE

To compare reported management suggestions by primary care physicians and psychiatry specialists for case vignette examples of old age depression, and to explore further training needs in geriatric depression for both professional groups.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using case vignettes in focus groups. Single group training sessions were arranged for 25 primary care physicians and 11 psychiatrists. The same two clinical vignettes were presented at all training sessions. Written management suggestions by participants, group discussion field notes and transcripts of group session videotapes were analysed.

RESULTS

Differences emerged in intended depression management. Primary care physicians tended to assess the symptoms as less serious and the situation as less urgent than psychiatrists. Management suggestions given by the psychiatrists included more recommendations of immediate psychiatric treatment and more precise descriptions of medication. Both groups recognized the somatic issues and were willing to assume responsibility for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying management differences seems to benefit the professional development of both groups. Exploring and discussing the underlying reasoning leading to management differences may be a productive format for primary care doctors and psychiatric specialists to teach and learn together. It may also promote collaboration in caring for the depressed elderly.