Dutch more likely to turn to GP for psychological help

More and more patients suffering from mild mental health problems end up going to a support practice connected to their GP for help, rather than a more expensive specialist. This is according to figures published by research institute Nivel on Monday, AD reports. According to the figures, one in six patients with psycho-social problems that visited a general practice ended up being treated by a mental health care support practice. Since January 2014, only people with severe mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are treated by specialized mental health institutions. People with milder mental health problems can only go to their house doctor, who refers them to a mental health support practice. A poll done by the National Association of General Practitioners revealed in June that an increasing number of general practitioners treat patients with complex psychological problems themselves, because the waiting lists for specialized mental health care are too long.