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This article describes the results of a one year follow-up investigation of patients suffering from psychiatric and mental diseases and psycho-social problems who were seen in general practice or by private practising psychiatrists and the psychiatric outpatient hospital clinic in a Danish county. 40-50% of the patients concluded treatment within the first year. The general practitioner and the private practising psychiatrist saw 10% of the patients more than 13 times. In the outpatient hospital clinic, 10% of the patients were seen more than 29 times. A psychotherapeutic approach to treatment was employed for 54-90% of the cases. Psychopharmacological medication was administered to 54-60% of the patients. Where patients in general practice and in the outpatient clinic were concerned, treatment in an emergency open unit and treatment in sheltered environments was required and supervision was necessary for 1/4 of the cases. The investigation demonstrates the role of the general practitioner in treatment and referral. After one year 25% of the patients were referred for other treatment. The general practitioner, private practicing psychiatrist and outpatient clinic treat different groups of psychiatric patients and work somewhat independently of one another.

The article describes the psychiatric outpatient treatment service in the catchment area of the county of Roskilde in Denmark. Eighty-four general practitioners, ten private practising psychiatric specialists and the psychiatric outpatient service at Roskilde Amts Sygehus Fjorden participated in a prospective cohort study based on questionnaires. This includes 404 patients from general practice, 326 from the psychiatric specialists and 166 from the psychiatric hospital. The patients' social conditions, demographic data, psychosocial problems, psychosocial strain, diagnoses, and the treatment are presented. Psychotics constitute 52% of the patients from the outpatient treatment service corresponding to 25% from specialist practice and 12% from general practice. The most common diagnoses at specialist level are neuroses and crises, in general practice, in addition, psychosomatic illness and depression without psychoses. The treatment for most of the patients is psychotherapy or in combination with psychopharmacology. Further acute psychiatric service and supervision are required. One year follow-up has been accomplished. Follow-up reviews after five and ten years are planned.