Psychiatric need and demand in a prepaid group practice program.

Abstract

A study was conducted at Group Health Association, Washington, D. C. to assess the degree to which psychiatric problems were present among its members. The study was conducted for a 3 1/2 month period (Nov. -Dec. 1963, Jan. -Feb. 1964). During this period 6104 patients aged 15 and over were seen and 14. 6% were diagnosed to have a psychiatric problem; the rates ranged from 6% in the 15-24 age group to 20% for those aged 65 or more. Except for the 15-24 age group, women had higher rates than men. Over 80% of all psychiatric problems were psychoneurotic disorders, mainly anxiety and depressive reactions. Over one-half of those in the 35-54 age group and nearly three-fourths in the 55-and-over age group has been bothered by their psychiatric problem for over 10 years. Sixty-seven per cent of the patients had moderate or severe impairment due to their psychiatric problems. The study presents many other relationships regarding the patient, the psychiatric problem and his physician.