Citation

Kaplan MS, Adamek ME, Calderon A. Gerontologist 1999; 39(4): 417-425.

Affiliation

School of Community Health, Portland State University, OR 97207-0751, USA. kaplanm@pdx.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10495579

Abstract

This study examined differences by specialty of primary care physicians in managing suicidal and depressed geriatric patients. A probability sample of 300 Illinois physicians drawn from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile was surveyed. Significant differences were found between specialties in estimates of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders; use of assessment procedures, treatment approaches, and referrals; perceptions of obstacles to providing mental health care; and confidence in diagnosing and treating depression and suicidality. Meeting the mental health needs of the rapidly growing older population will require a greater emphasis on geriatric mental health and consistency across primary care specialties.

Language: en