scholarly journals GPs’ experiences of children with anxiety disorders in primary care: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (665) ◽  
pp. e888-e898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doireann O’Brien ◽  
Kate Harvey ◽  
Bridget Young ◽  
Tessa Reardon ◽  
Cathy Creswell

BackgroundAnxiety disorders have a median age of onset of 11 years and are the most common emotional disorders in childhood; however, a significant proportion of those affected do not access professional support. In the UK, GPs are often the first medical professional that families see so are in a prime position to support children with anxiety disorders; however, currently there is little research available on GPs’ perspectives on and experiences of supporting children with these disorders.AimTo explore the experiences of GPs in relation to identification, management, and access to specialist services for children (<12 years) with anxiety disorders.Design and settingTwenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs in primary care throughout England.MethodGPs reflected a diverse group in relation to the ethnic and socioeconomic profile of registered patients, GP age, sex, professional status, previous engagement with research, and practice size and location. Purposive sampling was used to recruit GPs until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method of thematic analysis.ResultsData from 20 semi-structured interviews were organised into three themes: decision making, responsibility, and emotional response, with an overarching theme of GPs feeling ill equipped. These themes were retrospectively analysed to illustrate their role at different stages in the primary care process (identification, management, and access to specialist services).ConclusionGPs feel ill equipped to manage and support childhood anxiety disorders, demonstrating a need for medical training to include greater emphasis on children’s mental health, as well as potential for greater collaboration between primary and specialist services.

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e023876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doireann O’Brien ◽  
Kate Harvey ◽  
Cathy Creswell

ObjectivesAlthough anxiety disorders are the most common emotional disorders in childhood and are associated with a broad range of negative outcomes, only a minority of affected children receive professional support. In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) are seen as ‘gate-keepers’ to mental health services. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which GPs experience barriers to and facilitators of identifying, managing and accessing specialist services for these disorders, as well as factors associated with GPs’ confidence.Design and settingCross-sectional, self-report questionnaire in primary care, addressing identification, management and access to specialist services for children (under 12 years) with anxiety disorders.Participants971 GPs in England.Primary outcomesThe primary outcomes for this research was the extent to which GPs felt confident (1) identifying and (2) managing anxiety disorders in children.ResultsOnly 51% and 13% of GPs felt confident identifying and managing child anxiety disorders, respectively. A minority believed that their training in identification (21%) and management (10%) was adequate. Time restrictions inhibited identification and management, and long waiting times was a barrier to accessing specialist services. Being female (Ex(B)=1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) and being in a less deprived practice (Ex(B)=1.1, 95% CI 1 to 1.1) was associated with higher confidence identifying childhood anxiety disorders. Being a parent of a child over the age of 5 (Ex(B)=2, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5) and being in a less deprived practice (Ex(B)=1.1, 95% CI 1 to 1.2) was associated with higher confidence in management. Receipt of psychiatric or paediatric training was not significantly associated with GP confidence.ConclusionsGPs believe they have a role in identifying and managing childhood anxiety disorders; however, their confidence appears to be related to their personal experience and the context in which they work, rather than their training, highlighting the need to strengthen GP training and facilitate access to resources and services to enable them to support children with these common but debilitating conditions.


Author(s):  
Dr. Vineetha Sreekumar ◽  
Dr. Vasanth C Kurup

Childhood anxiety disorder is one of the emotional disorders which are not due to any abnormalities in brain development or function but improper thoughts and emotions. It has become very common in this world of competition. But these are usually not identified and treated in children. The prime aim of the study is to assess the effective use of individualized Homoeopathic medicines in treating anxiety disorders in school going children of Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. This study also aims to determine the probable causes and also the type of anxiety disorder prevalent in school-going children. A sample of 30 cases presenting with anxiety disorders was selected using purposive sampling technique from school health programs conducted at Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College, Kanniyakumari district. Every case is subjected to screening using a basic diagnostic tool Screen for child anxiety related emotional disorders (SCARED), and those cases identified with anxiety disorders will be sent for detailed case taking. Medicine was prescribed according to the individualization and totality of symptoms. The improvement was monitored after 3 to 6 months of prescription by recording the variations in the scoring criteria of the SCARED tool.


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Amy Janke ◽  
Michelle L. Ramirez ◽  
Brittany Haltzman ◽  
Megan Fritz ◽  
Andrea T. Kozak

AimThe aim of this research is to examine perceptions of those with comorbid chronic pain and obesity regarding their experience of comorbidity management in primary care settings.BackgroundChronic pain and obesity are common comorbidities frequently managed in primary care settings. Evidence suggests individuals with this comorbidity may be at risk for suboptimal clinical interactions; however, treatment experiences and preferences of those with comorbid chronic pain and obesity have received little attention.MethodsSemi-structured interviews conducted with 30 primary care patients with mean body mass index=36.8 and comorbid persistent pain. The constant comparative method was used to analyze data.FindingsParticipants discussed frustration with a perceived lack of information tailored to their needs and a desire for a personalized treatment experience. Participants found available medical approaches unsatisfying and sought a more holistic approach to management. Discussions also focused around the need for providers to initiate efforts at education and motivation enhancement and to show concern for and understanding of the unique difficulties associated with comorbidity. Findings suggest providers should engage in integrated communication regarding weight and pain, targeting this multimorbidity using methods aligned with priorities discussed by patients.


Author(s):  
Kristen Simonds ◽  
Lucy Yixuan Zhang ◽  
June I. Matthews

Purpose: This descriptive qualitative study explored young males’ perceptions of food skills in 3 domains: food selection and planning, food preparation, and food safety and storage. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: Forty-four young men (aged 17–35) reported varying levels of food skills, from little/no confidence to very confident and skilled. Most participants learned food skills from their mothers. Greater involvement in food selection and planning at a young age appeared to be related to parental influence and encouragement, exposure to food skills at school, and interest in food-related activities, which, in turn, provided a solid foundation for being confident cooks as young adults. Most notable was the lack of knowledge about, or confidence in, food safety and storage. Young men with low self-perceived food skills were deeply embarrassed about this deficiency in front of peers who had higher levels of confidence and skills. Conclusions: Future interventions or curricula should emphasize food safety and storage. This research also illustrates the importance of the home environment in teaching food skills to youth and ensuring that food skills are taught well before young adults begin living independently.


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