Cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of primary care patients presenting with psychological disorders

Libyan J Med. 2014 Mar 31;9(1):24186. doi: 10.3402/ljm.v9.24186. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Mental disorders affect a great number of people worldwide. Four out of the 10 leading causes of disability in the world are mental disorders. Because of the scarcity of specialists around the world and especially in developing countries, it is important for primary care physicians to provide services to patients with mental disorders. The most widely researched and used psychological approach in primary care is cognitive behavioral therapy. Due to its brief nature and the practical skills it teaches, it is convenient for use in primary care settings. The following paper reviews the literature on psychotherapy in primary care and provides some practical tips for primary care physicians to use when they are faced with patients having mental disorders.

Keywords: cognitive behavioral therapy; mental illness; primary care; psychological disorders; psychotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Arabs
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • General Practice / standards
  • General Practice / trends
  • General Practitioners / standards
  • General Practitioners / trends
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Middle East
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Referral and Consultation