A Survey of Mental Health Care Provided by Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the current state of mental health care provided by physician members of the Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA), focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental disorders.

Methods: Between April and August 2021, a web-based survey was conducted among 5,608 physician members as part of the activities of the JPCA Mental Health Committee. Descriptive analyses were performed to investigate clinical practice patterns. Associations between family medicine specialist certification and the frequency of managing major mental health conditions, proficiency in psychopharmacology, and experience with psychotherapeutic approaches were examined using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for workplace setting, sex, and years since graduation.

Results: Among the 407 respondents (response rate 8.4%), 98% of surveyed primary care physicians reported providing care for patients with mental health problems as part of their day-to-day practice. The most frequently managed conditions were dementia, followed by depression and anxiety disorders. These disorders also ranked highly among the conditions for which physicians reported confidence in their clinical management. Family medicine specialists showed significantly higher involvement and confidence in managing the four major mental health conditions; greater familiarity with key psychotropic drug classes; and more experience with psychotherapeutic approaches than non-specialists.

Conclusion: Mental health care is a routine component of clinical practice among JPCA member physicians, with dementia, anxiety disorders, and depression being the most commonly managed conditions.