Psychiatric comorbidity in general practice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Much of teaching and research has concentrated on single disease entities. In general practice, however, many patients suffer from a number of interacting illnesses at the same time. It is unlikely we will ever have randomised controlled trials to guide the management of such patients. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to develop a framework that will assist general practitioners in day-to-day clinical work with patients presenting with concurrent multiple physical and mental health problems. DISCUSSION: A positive, caring, patient centred approach is required and multiple diagnoses need to be managed within an integrated treatment plan. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is ..