CONFIDENCE OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS IN DIAGNOSING AND TREATING MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS”
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Keywords
Primary care physicians, mental health disorders, diagnostic confidence, treatment confidence, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders are highly likely to be met within the primary care setting, hence the primary care physician is at the center of diagnosing and treating. Nonetheless, confidence differences can have an impact on early detection and proper care.
Objective: To determine the confidence of primary care physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and to determine factors that affect this confidence.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study among primary care physicians in Jinnah Medical College & Jinnah Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from March, 2025 to August, 2025. A structured, self-administered questionnaire that measured diagnostic, treatment, and referral confidence was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted.
Results: Physicians also indicated moderate confidence and greater confidence in symptom recognition and referral decisions. The decreased confidence was in psychosocial management and diagnostic certainty. Mental health training before the program was of great importance in increasing levels of confidence.
Conclusion: Primary care doctors often treat mental illnesses, but have significant confidence issues. Training and supportive systems should be focused on fortifying mental health care in primary practice.
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Dr Fatima
Senior Registrar, Jinnah Medical College & Jinnah Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Dr Aziz Muhammad
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, KMC/ KTH Peshawar
Dr Ala Orakzai
Postgraduate Resident, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
Dr Osama Akhtar
Postgraduate Resident, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
Dr Muham mad Aamir Khan
Postgraduate Resident, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
