Primary care physician ability to identify pediatric mental health issues.

Abstract

Introduction: There have been various strategies employed to improve the ability of primary care physicians to identify and intervene in the mental health concerns of young children. In this study we assessed community physician needs and ability to identify mental health problems in children less than 6 years of age.

Methods: Two surveys were conducted. The purpose of the surveys was to identify the learning needs among primary care physicians and their capacity to serve very young children.

Results: Most physicians reported that they did not have enough knowledge and support to detect and manage mental health problems in young children and that they received minimal undergraduate training.

Conclusions: Community physicians require primary mental health care support to serve the mental health concerns of young children age 0-6.