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Chapter 7174is of extra importance as they often present with multi-problems in various life domains and multiple care professionals can or should be involved with the patient. Often, the practitioner plays a crucial role in coordinating this collaboration (Chapter 6).Why, when, and with whom to collaborate?In the case of patients with both MID and MH problems, practitioners’ collaboration partners may include professionals from the social domain, ID care, MH services, and hospital. This can vary over time depending on the patient’s needs. In the general population, there is an observed increase in patients seeking help for MH problems where underlying psychosocial problems are evident. 56 This is not surprising, considering that society is becoming more complex and people are increasingly assumed to be self-reliant. 57 Indeed, this applies all the more to people with MID, who face additional social challenges because they lack adequate coping strategies. 57-59 However, the question arises as to whether these psychosocial problems belong to the practitioner’s domain or are better addressed by professionals in the social domain or ID care (Chapter 6).When MH problems arise as a result of, or alongside, psychosocial problems, effective treatment of MH problems can be achieved only if psychosocial issues are addressed simultaneously (Chapter 6). This is also my experience as an ID physician. If psychosocial problems receive the right attention and support, practitioners may manage mild MH problems effectively using the existing GP guidelines, with necessary adjustments based on the patient’s capabilities. 33, 48 More severe or complex forms of MH problems do not fall within the expertise of practitioners and should therefore be treated in, or in close collaboration with, MH services. 56Additionally, an ID physician can provide support to a practitioner when questions arise regarding the contribution of MID in MH problems when the practitioner lacks experience in dealing with patients with MID or wants to utilize the ID physician’ professional network. 60Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 174 24-06-2024 16:26