Treatment of mental disturbances by the family physician

A group of 64 patients with symptoms of mental disturbance was treated by 5 family physicians according to the recommendations of a psychiatric consultant and under his guidance. The group was compared with a control group of 22 patients treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Both groups improved significantly as determined at follow-up 3 months after psychiatric intake and 5-6 months later. The study emphasizes the importance of liaison between the psychiatrist and the family physician, and of supervision by the psychiatric consultant in the implementation of the recommended treatment.