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Chapter 230number of yield publications increases steadily over de years. In total 46% of the publications described a scientific study, none of which is a randomised controlled trial. Figure 2 presents the overview of relevant characteristics of included publications.Prevalence of mental health disorders in primary careThe publications on register-based cohort studies report that people with ID have a higher risk of MHDs than patients without ID. 23-26 Primary care databases show a prevalence of MHDs in adult patients with ID ranging from 21 to 34%. 4, 23, 25-27 GPs’ screening of patients with ID or MHD identified 33–71% of patients as having a possible MHD and needing further medical assessment. 28-31 Severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis are more prevalent in patients with ID. 3, 4, 23, 32, 33Depression and anxiety are recorded less, 33, 34 equally, 4, 34 or more often, 23with an earlier age of onset for depression. 35 Smoking, alcohol, and other substance use are less prevalent, 23, 33 but alcohol misuse is more prevalent in patients with ID. 23Thematic resultsThematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: GP roles, knowledge and experience, caregiver roles, collaboration, and a standardised approach. The results are narratively presented accordingly. Box 1 presents the key findings per theme.GP rolesThe publications reveal the GP as key figure in the identification, initiation, and coordination of treatment of patients with ID and MHD. 31, 36-45 Several GP roles in the care for this patient group are described, however, with varying acceptance, experience, and fulfilment among GPs. 42, 46, 47The GP roles relate, in the first place, to prevention of MHDs,32, 43, 44, 48, 49 in the sense of a proactive approach. This comprises general health promotion and targeted education about healthy living or substance use, 32, 44, 49 but also identification of MHD-provoking risk factors and development of prevention strategies. 31, 43, 48, 49Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 30 24-06-2024 16:26