Money needed for mental health support - AMA
AMA Federal Councillor, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, today called for more funding for community-based mental health services, following the release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report, Mental Health Services in Australia 2000-01.
Dr Haikerwal said the findings of the report highlight, yet again, the need for realistic funding of community-based mental health support services, including extended GP visits.
According to the report, during 2001-02 there were an estimated 10.2million general practice encounters where mental health problems were managed. This accounted for 7.4% of all problems managed by GPs.
Depression counted for 32% of the mental health problems managed by GPs and 2.4% of all problems managed.
Between 1991 and 2000-01, the management rate for depression increased from 2.1 problems per 100 encounters to 3.4.
Anxiety counted for 15.4% of all mental health problems managed, and sleep disturbance 15.3%.
Clinical treatments were provided by GPs for 49.3 per 100 mental health related problems (this included counselling, advice or concurrent procedural treatments).
"GPs clearly play an essential role in diagnosing and treating mental illness, but additional support services are in short supply, particularly in the public system," Dr Haikerwal said.
"There is also an urgent need for medium and long-term in-patient care, as well as out-patient set-ups," he said.
"Medication for anxiety, stress and depression is improving, with fewer reported side effects, but medication is only part of an overall treatment strategy which should include counselling.
"People suffering from acute anxiety simply can't wait for six weeks to see a psychologist or psychiatrist," he said. "They need immediate and ongoing care."
"While the AMA welcomes this evidence of the vital role GPs play in the provision of mental health related care, it does caution against stigmatising patients as mentally ill when they are only experiencing a short-term problem. People who are temporarily stressed or depressed are suffering from a medical condition and should be treated as such.
"The Government has de-funded institutionalised mental health care, perhaps with good reason. But mental health problems have not evaporated just because the funding has dried up. The money must be put back into quality, timely care - now," Dr Haikerwal said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306