Depression is a common, debilitating mood disorder. Depression is highly prevalent in medically ill populations, and many persons with depression are either unaware they need professional help or are reluctant to seek it. Although contact with the primary care setting represents a potential opportunity for timely identification and intervention, abundant evidence indicates that many patients with depression are inadequately diagnosed by nonpsychiatrist physicians, with one study showing inadequate assessment and diagnosis even after training. In addition to depression being underdiagnosed in the primary care setting, even when a valid diagnosis is made, treatment is often inconsistent with current practice guidelines. Provider competence and confidence related to the diagnosis and treatment of depression is one factor; other factors that influence patient outcomes have been identified. One of these factors is treatment adherence, and studies have shown that treatment adherence can be positively influenced by the degree of treatment preference for the prescribed treatment modality and by the process of shared decision-making between physician and patient. These widespread shortcomings in the proper diagnosis, treatment, and implementation of treatment adherence strategies among primary care physicians and other primary care professionals represent an ideal educational target.

Course Objective

Although contact with the primary care setting represents a potential opportunity for timely identification and intervention, abundant evidence indicates that many patients with depression are inadequately diagnosed and treated in these settings. The purpose of this course is to provide the information and encouragement necessary to allow primary care providers to properly diagnose, treat, and follow-up with patients with depression.