Exploring the barriers and facilitators to identifying anxiety disorders in primary care

Anxiety is a growing problem in the UK and can be extremely disabling for sufferers. It is likely that anxiety is under-reported by patients and under-detected and under-treated by GPs. Anxiety is often experienced alongside depression and many other ‘physical’ illnesses. This can make it more difficult to spot and treat anxiety. Little is known about what happens in appointments between GPs and patients with anxiety disorders. A UK study investigated diagnosing anxiety disorders and described GPs not wanting to stigmatise patients by labelling them and not being sure of how to diagnose particular anxiety disorders. The best way of investigating what can help or hinder identifying and treating anxiety, is to explore what actually goes on in GP appointments by video-taping consultations – with the patients consent. Looking at the videos, alongside interviewing patients and GPs, and looking at the doctors notes after the consultation, will give us a much clearer understanding of what influences the detection and treatment of anxiety disorders. We can then begin to work on ways to improve the identification and treatment of people who suffer from anxiety.

Amount awarded: £72,128