Citation

Stotland NL. Prim. Care Update Ob. Gyns. 1994; 1(1): 2-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression is a clinical illness that affects up to one third of the population at some time during their lives and that affects women especially. Often viewed incorrectly as the result of weakness of character or overreaction to the normal stresses of life, depression is a readily and reliably diagnosable disease that causes major suffering, morbidity, and mortality. Most patients who complete an act of suicide have consulted a nonpsychiatric physician within 2 weeks of death. Most antidepressants are prescribed by nonpsychiatrists, but most cases of depression are not diagnosed and treated, or they are undertreated. The treatment of depression is quite successful, with two thirds of patients responding to an adequate trial of medication. Psychotherapy is also effective, either as primary treatment (cognitive therapy) or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. Referral is indicated in cases of diagnostic uncertainty, patient request, failure to respond to a therapeutic trial, and/or risk of suicide. The patient must understand that the psychiatrist and primary care physician will work together. © 1994.

Language: en