Recognition of anxiety disorders by family physicians after rigorous medical record case extraction Results of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety

Evelien H. C. Janssen, Peter M. van de Ven, Berend Terluin, Peter F. M. Verhaak, Harm W. J. van Marwijk, Mirrian Smolders, Klaas van der Meer, Brenda W. J. H. Penninx, Hein P. J. van Hout*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)
424 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies reported low and inconsistent rates of recognition of anxiety disorders by family physicians (FPs). Our objectives were to examine (a) which combination of indications within medical records most accurately reflects recognition of anxiety disorders and (b) whether patient and FP characteristics were related to recognition.

Method: A cross-sectional comparison was made between FPs' registration and a structured diagnostic interview, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. Seven definitions of recognition were tested using diagnostic codes, medication data, referral data and free text in medical records. Data were derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. A total of 816 patients were included.

Results: Recognition ranged between 9.1% and 85.8%. A broader definition was associated with a higher recognition rate, but led to more false positives. The best definition comprised diagnostic codes for anxiety disorders and symptoms, strong free-text indications, medication and referral to mental health care. Generalized anxiety disorder was best recognized by this definition. Recognition was better among patients with increased severity, comorbid depression and older age.

Conclusion: FPs recognized anxiety disorders better than previously reported when all medical record data were taken into account. However, most patients were nonspecifically labeled as having a mental health problem. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)460-467
Number of pages8
JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Recognition
  • Primary care
  • Family physician
  • DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW CIDI
  • PRIMARY-CARE
  • PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS
  • GENERALIZED ANXIETY
  • HEALTH-CARE
  • ACCURACY
  • RELIABILITY
  • PREVALENCE
  • MANAGEMENT
  • VALIDITY

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