Delivering psychiatric services in primary-care setting

Psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety disorders, are common in primary-care settings, though often overlooked or untreated. Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with a poorer course for and complications from common chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Integrating psychiatric services into primary-care settings can improve recognition and treatment of psychiatric disorders for large populations of patients. Numerous research studies demonstrate associations between improved recognition and treatment of psychiatric disorders and improved courses of psychiatric disorders, but also with improvements in other chronic diseases such as diabetes. The evidence bases supporting the use of 2 models of integrated care, colocation of psychiatric care and collaborative care, are reviewed. These models' uses in specific populations are also discussed.