Background: Persistent presentation of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) is troublesome for general practitioners (GPs) and causes pressure on the doctor-patient relationship. As a consequence, GPs face the problem of establishing an ongoing, preferably effective relationship with these patients. This study aims at exploring GPs' perceptions about explaining MUS to patients and about how relationships with these patients evolve over time in daily practice.

KEY MESSAGESWithin a collaborative ADHD programme for children, participating GPs were positive about a quick and specialist diagnostic process within secondary care. After an online course, GPs felt confident to start and monitor ADHD medication in children with uncomplicated ADHD. GPs were content about the collaboration between primary and secondary care. ABSTRACTBackground: Most general practitioners (GPs) do not feel comfortable with diagnosing and treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is problematic since ADHD is a prevalent disorder and an active role of GPs is desired. In the Netherlands a collaborative ADHD programme was established, comprising of shortened diagnostic assessment in specialized mental healthcare followed by psycho-education in mental healthcare and pharmacological treatment by pre-trained GPs. Objectives: To explore the experiences of GPs regarding the diagnosis and treatment of children with uncomplicated ADHD within this programme. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 15 GPs were conducted. The GPs participated in an evaluation of the collaborative ADHD programme. Data was analysed using the principles of constant comparative analysis. Results: Most participating GPs expressed reluctance to diagnose ADHD themselves. The reluctance was due to a lack of time, knowledge and experience. The GPs welcomed the collaborative programme because it met their need for both quick and adequate diagnosis by a specialist. Furthermore, an online ADHD course, offered by the programme, gave them the confidence to start and monitor ADHD medication. Finally, they appreciated the possibility of consulting a specialist when necessary. Conclusion: GPs preferred that ADHD was diagnosed by a specialist. In the context of the ADHD collaborative programme, they felt competent and comfortable to start and monitor medication in children with uncomplicated ADHD.

More research on MUS in primary care is needed to improve the consultations with and management of these patients. Internationally primary care conferences are excellent for exchanging ideas and formulating central issues of research.

Compared to controls, more patients with depression and anxiety disorder present minor illnesses. This could be due to their high attendance rate, altered illness behaviour, or to factors--e.g., stress--underlying both the development of depression or anxiety and the susceptibility to diseases.

INTRODUCTION: In general practice many patients present with emotional symptoms. Both patients and physicians desire effective non-pharmacological treatments. AIM: To study the effectiveness of problem-solving treatment (PST) delivered by trained general practice registrars (GP registrars) for patients with emotional symptoms. METHODS: In a controlled clinical trial we compared the effectiveness of PST versus usual care for patients with emotional symptoms. Dutch GP registrars provided either PST or usual care, according to their own preference. Patients were included if they (a) had presented for three or more consultations with emotional symptoms in the past six months; and (b) scored four or more on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Outcomes at three- and nine-month follow-up were standard measures of depression, anxiety and quality of life. RESULTS: Thirty-eight GP registrars provided PST and included 98 patients; 43 provided usual care and included 104 patients. PST patients improved significantly more than usual care patients: at nine-month follow-up, recovery rates for somatoform disorder and anxiety were higher in the PST group (OR 6.50, p=0.01 respectively OR 11.25, p=0.03). PST patients had improved significantly more on the domains social functioning, role limitation due to emotional problems and general health perception. DISCUSSION: Patients with emotional symptoms improved significantly more after PST delivered by motivated GP registrars than after usual care by GP registrars. Further research, with randomisation of interested registrars or interested GPs, is needed. KEYWORDS: Problem-solving treatment; emotional symptoms; mental health; general practice; GP registrars