Do general practitioners and old age psychiatrists differ in their attitudes to dementia?

Abstract

Abstract Research suggests dementia is still underdiagnosed and referral to specialists occurs late and often in crisis, despite increasing evidence that sufferers and carers want early intervention and advice. A questionnaire designed to survey attitudes to dementia was completed by 35 consultants in old age psychiatry across Scotland and a representative sample of 35 general practitioners in Glasgow. The results indicated that general practitioners' and psychiatrists' attitudes to dementia differed significantly in several aspects. The majority of general practitioners felt that they had little to offer dementia patients, that early referral was unhelpful, that easier access to long‐term beds was needed and that the problem was mainly social. In contrast, the majority of consultants supported early referral and diagnosis, strongly felt help could be offered, saw dementia as having both medical and social aspects and were divided regarding ease of admission for continuing care. These differences and possible implications for the delivery of optimum care are discussed.