Authors' objectives:

This bulletin aims to provide an overview of the effectiveness of strategies to improve the delivery and organisation of care for those suffering from depression in primary care. The effectiveness of drug treatments and psychosocial interventions for depression is not covered by this bulletin.

Authors' recommendations: - Depression is the third most common reason for consultation in UK general practice. Whilst depressive disorders are common, they may go unrecognised or be suboptimally managed. - Simple questionnaires to detect depression and changes in the organisation and delivery of care have been proposed to enhance the recognition and management of depression. - The routine administration and feedback of questionnaires, such as the General Health Questionnaire, does not improve patient management or outcome of depression. - Multifaceted interventions providing enhanced care for depression including case management by practice nurses, clinician education and greater integration with secondary care services, can improve the care and outcome of depression. - Telephone support is a simple intervention that improves the care and outcome of depression. - The interventions shown to improve the management and outcome of depression in primary care will require enhancement of the role of nurses, investment of resources and greater integration with secondary care.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination