[Care requirements for chronic psychiatric patients in general practice: shared responsibility with mental health professionals].

Every year in the Netherlands, at least 41,000 patients in mental health care suffer from long-lasting (> 2 years) psychiatric problems such as psychoses, affective disorders, anxiety disorders or personality disorders. A representative survey reveals that during certain periods of time about 20% of them only receive care from their general practitioner. The general practitioner has to deal with the many and complex needs of care in the areas of, for example, psychological complaints, psychotic symptoms, social contacts and information about treatment. According to the patient, one in four of these needs are unmet, resulting in a reduced quality of life. This situation calls for a pro-active attitude on the part of the general practitioner who should nevertheless leave the key role in managing the care of these patients to the mental health professionals.