Mental illness evaluation and referrals in medical care

The current study seeks to better understand the process by which medical professionals assess mental illness and their subsequent steps when mental illness is suspected or diagnosed (e.g., psychiatric or psychological referral, prescribing medication, etc.). Participants included 36 licensed medical professionals (80% physicians, 20% non-physicians) who are currently practicing in the United States. All participants completed an online survey that included questions about 1) participant demographics, 2) participant’s medical practice and training, 3) prevalence of mental illness in their patient population, 4) how they assess mental illness symptoms, and 5) steps they generally take if they recognize these symptoms in their patients. Additional questions asked about the specific referral processes for patients for whom the physician suspected low, moderate, and severe psychopathology. More than half (56.7%) of participants indicated they have not received training about mental health. Although nearly two-thirds (65.7%) of participants reported using routine screening measures, more than one third (35.3%) reported that non-medical professionals conduct these screenings. Results suggest that regardless of the severity of the patients’ mental illness the majority of participants referred the patient to a mental health professional; around three-quarters referred to specific providers. The second most common referral step was prescribing medications. This study highlights the importance of leveraging medical professionals’ interactions with their patients to improve mental health referrals for patients who may benefit from further mental health evaluation or treatment.