Mental health service users' views of medical practitioners

Abstract

Some survey data about users' views of mental health services are presented. In particular, positive and negative views about general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists are examined. The respondents' main criticisms of both groups of doctors focused on: an over-reliance on drugs to the exclusion of other treatments, especially counselling and other forms of 'talking'; and the failure to provide adequate information in relation to their mental health problem, and purpose and side-effects of treatment. It is concluded that GPs receive a greater vote of confidence than their specialist psychiatric colleagues because of their superior continuity of contact, their gatekeeping position and their sharing of a lay rather than specialist view of mental health. The paradox of GPs being inadequate according to psychiatrists but relative successes in the eyes of users is discussed.