Managing psychiatric disorders in primary care: 1. Depression

Hosp Pract (1995). 2000 Jun 15;35(6):75-8, 81-4, 90.

Abstract

Because of their established rapport with patients, primary care physicians are in an excellent position to intervene in mild-to-moderate depression and refer patients with more severe symptoms for psychiatric evaluation. The key is to build a solid therapeutic partnership--by communicating interest, respect, support, and empathy for the patient's emotional situation--before turning to the prescription pad.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Prevalence
  • Psychotherapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors