World Mental Health Day
The AMA today joined calls for a greater priority to be placed on addressing mental health in the Australian community.
On World Mental Health Day, AMA Federal Public Health Committee Chairman and psychiatrist, Dr Bill Pring, stressed the importance of raising community awareness about mental health issues, destigmatising mental illness, and highlighting the impact mental health has on the community and on business.
"It is crucial that steps are taken to strengthen the role of GPs and to ensure that GPs and psychiatrists work in partnership to extend care more effectively to the community," Dr Pring said.
Depression currently affects up to 20% of young people during adolescence. Adequate remuneration to allow longer consultations would assist GPs in building trusting and long- term relationships with young patients.
Dr Pring reiterated the AMA strategy for improving primary mental health care. The three-point strategy proposes:
Amending incentives within the MBS to encourage GPs to provide longer consultations for mental health care but in such a way as to avoid
stigmatisation of patients;
Enhancing shared-care arrangements between GPs, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and other members of the mental health team;
Improving relevant continuing education and post-graduate education curricula in mental health for GPs.
"Emphasis must be given to the particular needs of young people in providing active treatment of mental illness and psychological or emotional difficulties which may prevent major distress and disability in later life.
"In terms of improving the health and well-being of young people, this is far broader than health.
"We need to be much more concerned about the health and welfare of young Australians - they are clearly our future," Dr Pring said.
CONTACT: Dr Bill Pring (0418) 109 858
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076