The association of alcohol dependence with general practice attendance.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS This study was designed to examine the relationship between alcohol dependence and general practitioner (GP) service attendance in Australia. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were analysed from the 1997 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. In this survey, a representative sample of the Australian population was interviewed to ascertain past 12 month psychiatric diagnoses for all major mental disorders as well as the use of primary and other health services (n = 10 641, 79% response rate). RESULTS People with alcohol dependence comorbid with other psychiatric disorders have higher rates of service usage than those without such disorders. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Alcohol dependence comorbid with mental disorders has a significant impact on GP service in Australia. High rates of service use by individuals with such comorbidities were a considerable burden for GP services.

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