Adult Psychiatric Care in the Home

Nearly a third of patients seen by providers in home-based primary care are likely to have significant mental health problems, the most common of which is major depression. In general, these conditions are underrecognized and undertreated. Providers should screen for common mental health conditions, understand the basics of diagnosis for key types of illnesses, and be familiar with the options for treatment, including community resources and medications. This chapter reviews practical approaches including assessment, diagnostic criteria, interplay of medical and psychiatric conditions, tables to guide medication selection, how to manage difficult situations, and patient and provider safety.