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