Mental Health in Primary Health Care

Mental health disorders are increasing worldwide and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the health care system perspective, some studies confirm that 25-35% of patients consuming Primary Care (PC) services have a psychiatric condition, with over 80% of these patients presenting depression or anxiety disorders. Many of these conditions are shaped by socio-economic factors. General Practitioners (GPs) refer approximately 5-10% of the psychiatric patients detected in PC to Mental Health Services, highlighting that most of the mental disorders are diagnosed and managed from PC. In addition, PC rarely makes screening and action on the social determinants of health (SDH). Thus, the root cause of mental health problems remains unaddressed.

Taking into account the recent worldwide situation, and the existing resources in PC, there is a need to delve into new approaches. These include experimenting with new technologies (e.g treatments and diagnosis), and primary prevention through a novel SDH approach that requires collaboration across multiple sectors and levels outside the realm of the health system.

The scope of the research is to delve into the management and prevention of mental health problems from Primary Health Care. Potential themes include:
- Depression and anxiety in Primary Health Care.
- Interventions and management.
- New technologies, both for treatment, and instruments for the diagnosis.
- Social determinants of mental health.
- Social DH approach to prevention and management
- Moral injury
- Burnout out in health

Coordinator for this collection Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre