Referral practices of rural primary care physicians for patients with depression

Abstract

This research characterizes the treatment and referral practices of rural primary care physicians for their patients with depression. A mailed survey was sent to all practicing physicians in rural Jackson County, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Results indicate that physicians spend a significant amount of time treating patients with depression. They have high confidence in their ability to provide several different types of treatment for depression, but low confidence in providing psychotherapy and providing all of the necessary care for patients with depression. Physicians reported not having enough time to treat their patients with depression. They reported high levels of confidence in mental health providers’ ability to provide treatment for patients with depression. Physicians reported referring to a range of mental health providers but most often to psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health counselors. AODA counselors, however, were identified as underutilized. The results suggest that physicians can accurately predict the percentage of adults who have diagnosable levels of depression in the community. The need for more research on rural/urban differences in prevalence of depression, treatment for depression and referral practices for patients with depression is also discussed.