Primary care physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding the management of anxiety and depressive disorders in Georgia

Abstract

Objective This study assessed primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and clinical practices regarding anxiety and depressive disorders in Georgia and identified key barriers to effective care delivery. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 78 PCPs in two regions of Georgia using a structured questionnaire that included the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results PCPs relied heavily on pharmacotherapy, which was used by 78.2%, whereas fewer than 13% reported using structured psychological interventions. Physicians expressed significantly greater confidence in diagnosing and managing anxiety than depression (p<0.001). Although 65.4% recognized psychotherapy as an effective treatment, 67.9% regarded it as an intervention that should be delivered only by specialists. Female physicians were more than twice as likely to use nonpharmacological interventions than male physicians (odds ratio=2.15, p=0.019), despite reporting lower self-confidence. Conclusion Primary mental health care in Georgia is constrained by the predominance of pharmacological treatment and low physician self-efficacy. Improving service delivery requires targeted training in psychological interventions, supportive financing mechanisms, and greater multidisciplinary integration.