Background: With few exceptions, evaluation of the capacity of general practitioners (GPs) to recognise psychiatric disorder in their patients has failed to consider the role of ethnic diversity in the consultation process and whether such knowledge can improve understanding of the degree to which psychiatric morbidity is recognised within GP settings.
Methods: This research was completed in five general practices representative of all those within an inner-city health district. Psychiatric morbidity in patients consecutively attending the practices was then assessed using the General Health Questionnaire; in addition, GPs were asked to complete a checklist of current problems identified during each consultation.
Results: Analysis suggested that Asian and Black patients were less likely than White patients to have psychological problems identified; that social problems and a psychiatric history facilitated recognition; and that current physical illness hindered recognition.
Conclusions: GP recognition of psychological problems varies according to patient ethnicity but can be substantially masked by both the physical and social circumstances of patients at consultation.