The Value of the Turkish Translation of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire for Turkish-speaking Patients With Psychological Complaints and Language Barriers.

In Belgium, psychological complaints are common in general practice. Patients present with a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from mild symptoms to severe mental illnesses. According to a study conducted in Flanders in 2024, approximately 22% of the adult general population in Flanders meet the criteria for a mental disorder. This is more than the 15% estimated twenty years ago. As a general practitioner (GP), you understand your patient's background, have a trusted relationship, and serve as a key point of contact.

Clinicians employ a diverse range of models and treatments for patients presenting with mental health concerns. This variation in practice raises important questions about the provision of optimal care. In 1994, Dutch researchers developed a mental health assessment approach specifically designed for use in primary care. This approach involves a multidimensional assessment where patients' symptoms are reported and scored across four key areas: distress, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms. The assessment is conducted using the Four-Dimensional Symptom Ques- tionnaire (4DSQ) before or between consultations. The resulting score profile across these dimensions helps inform clinical decision-making during the consultation. In a thesis which

completed by a family doctor at KU Leuven University in Belgium between 2014 and 2016, the 4DSQ was identified as a valuable resource for general practitioners in primary care in Belgium.

In medical and psychological care, a language barrier can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect diagnoses, and limited access to appropriate care. Therefore, translations must be not only linguistically accurate but also aligned with how people in a particular community discuss and understand mental health.

The 4DSQ has been translated into multiple languages and is used worldwide in primary care and psychological diagnostics. Currently, it is available on the EMGO website in 17 different languages: Some of them are Dutch, English, French, German, Czech, Greek, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, Urdu (the official national language of Pakistan).