Cross-sectional survey reveals GPs' management practices and concerns about delays in adolescent mental health services.
Key Points
This study aims to explore general practitioners' experiences and perspectives regarding wait times for adolescent mental health services in Australia.
Conducted a national cross-sectional online survey of GPs treating adolescents aged 12–17 years with depression and/or anxiety.
Examined referral practices, wait times, impacts of delays, and interim support strategies through statistical analyses.
Sample included 190 GPs from various regions in Australia.
80% of GPs reported increased presentations of adolescents with depression and/or anxiety over the previous year.
Estimated mean wait times reached up to 113 days for psychiatrists, far exceeding acceptable waits of 7–26 days.
82.1% of GPs increased care during delays, perceiving negative impacts on adolescent well-being, including reduced help-seeking and increased self-harm risk.