Lijecnicki vjesnik 2010;132(1-2)
THE ORGANIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN COMMUNITY
Slađana Štrkalj Ivezić, VLADO JUKIĆ, Ljubomir Hotujac, Marija Kušan Jukić, Ana Tikvica
Abstract
Summary. Integration of the psychiatry in primary care is beneficial for tlie early detection of mental disorder, better outcome of mental disorder and reduction of stigma. Psychiatry is a leading profession in organisation of mental health services. General practitioners (GPs) in Europe deal with mental disorders in their everyday practice, so the same is expected in Croatia. Graduate and postgraduate education of our GPs is insufficient for this new role. The paper compares actual situation in Croatia with forthcoming needs. The paper suggests that community psychiatry, anti-stigma program, continuing medical education of GPs and network of consultant psychiatrists give the best results in the early detection and treatment of mental disorder.