Primary care and the early phases of schizophrenia in the Czech Republic.

Abstract

Aim: To explore knowledge, treatment setting, attitudes and needs associated with patients in early phases of psychosis among general practitioners (GPs) in Prague, and to compare results with GPs from 6 countries participating in the International GP Study (IGPS) on Early Psychosis (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Norway, Austria).

Methods: Survey questionnaires were mailed to 648 GPs in the city of Prague.

Results: The response rate was 19.9%. Prague GPs showed significantly lower diagnostic knowledge of early phases of psychosis compared to their international colleagues. They frequently indicated depression/anxiety and somatic complaints as early warnings of psychosis. They more often considered their behaviour to be problematic and more commonly handed them over to specialists. The majority of Prague GPs wished specialized outpatient services for low-threshold referrals of such patients.

Conclusions: Along the mental health reforms in the Czech Republic which emphasis the role of primary care, GPs' knowledge of the early warning signs of psychosis needs to be improved.