Over 90% of mental health work is carried out in primary care yet very few GPs and even fewer practice nurses have any specialist training in mental health. People living in deprived settings have a much greater incidence of psychiatric symptoms and emotional disturbance leading to increased use health and other services. Co-morbidity is common.

DIG is interested in researching the mental health workload in GP practices in these areas and in considering what support and training would supply a better service to patients and more satisfaction for clinicians.
At least two practices in Lothian have audited aspects of their mental health work.

DIG is currently a joint applicant with the Community Drug Problem Service in Edinburgh for a Clinical Resource and Audit Group grant to look at aspects of Dual Diagnosis of Dependence Problems and other psychiatric illness, although not restricted to psychotic illnesses.

DIG is also engaged in discussion with mental health specialists to consider the problems of diagnosis in primary care, look at training needs both in diagnosis and in interventions suitable for use in primary care e.g. by specialist nurses.