ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and use of medical services in a South Australian rural community.DesignSurvey based on structured self‐administered questionnaires.SettingRiverland region of South Australia, between May and November, 1991.SubjectsA probability sample of 1009 residents (71.1%) response stratified for age and sex (with replacement) aged 18 years and over from the State electoral roll.Outcome measuresDSM‐III‐R‐defined psychiatric disorders diagnosed by means of the University of Washington's Diagnostic Interview Schedule Screening Instrument (DISSI), physical disorders and use of health and allied services.ResultsTwenty‐six percent had at least one psychiatric disorder in the six months before interview. Prevalence did not differ with sex or age, but was higher in the unemployed (P= 0.0001). Those with a current psychiatric disorder were significandy more likely to report a lifetime physical disorder (P = 0.0001). The most common disorders were major depression and dysthymia (10.8%), anxiety disorder (9.8%), phobic disorder (7.8%), alcohol abuse and dependence (7.0%) and somatisation syndrome (5.3%). During the year before interview, 88.5% of those diagnosed with a current psychiatric disorder had consulted a general practitioner and 4.2% a psychiatrist or psychologist.ConclusionThe prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the Riverland region was comparatively high. General practitioners were the primary care‐providers for those with psychiatric disorders. These issues need to be addressed by service providers and health planners.