We often hear or read of numerous mental disorders, but three problems are commonplace: depression, anxiety, and substance use—often all occurring together. And many of the other, less common problems, such as PTSD and eating disorders and chronic pain, have these three common illnesses as their centerpiece. All three are easily diagnosed by simple questionnaires, so that proven-effective treatments can be deployed, typically medications and/or psychotherapy. Medications can be used by primary care clinicians, who also can consult psychologists and other therapists, but his seldom occurs. Why? They lack training in diagnosing and treating mental disorders.
