AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF THE ATTITUDE TOWARD PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP IN PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS.

European Brain Council and European College of Neuro-psychopharmacology has estimated that a third of Europeans suffer from psychopathological disorders. Furthermore, 50% of medical advice, behind a somatic symptom, seems to mask psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude toward professional psychological help, the presence of psychological problems and the correlation between the constructs evaluated. 379 patients of primary care (129 males, 250 females) undertook a battery of psych diagnostic tests which assess symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS), attitude toward psychological help (ATSPPHS), alexithymia (TAS-20), psychosocial wellbeing (SF12), illness perception (BRIEF-IPQ), coping (BRIEF COPE). Patients were recruited in the surgeries of primary care (Puglia, Italy). It has been found a significant presence of psychological disorders: clinically significant levels of anxiety (43.5%), depression (45.6%) and alexithymia (33.5%). 17.3% of the patients declared that they needed psychological help; 70,9% showed confidence in psychologist profession. 16,7% had a psychological problem and 19,9% had experience of psychological counseling. A significant correlation between anxiety and depression (r=0.604) was observed. The results show a significant presence of psychological disorders and a confidence in the professional role of psychologist. We conclude that professional psychologist in primary care could have a key role for care and prevention.