Teaching normal and abnormal behavior to primary care physicians.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article delineates the framework for a curriculum on psychiatry, normal and abnormal human behavior for primary care physicians (PCPs). METHODS: Curricula have been surveyed. Members of the Education Committee of the Association of Medicine and Psychiatry, as well as Family Physicians and General Internists involved in education have been consulted. Their recommendations are integrated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The curriculum should be developed according to the needs of PCPs and from their perspective. Patient and problem-oriented, its content can be divided into: a) personal skills that should be developed; and b) knowledge of symptoms, their differential diagnosis (DDX) and management within the PCP's, facilities and abilities.