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The Role of the Family Physician in Managing Depression |
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| recurrence if the age
is less than 20 years or if they have frequent relapses with severe
episodes, poor recovery between the episodes or dysthymia preceding the
depressive episodes. Tapering over at least four weeks is recommended
when antidepressant therapy is to be stopped[11]. Conclusion Depression is a common serious but treatable psychiatric disorder that mostly dealt with in general practice. It is easily missed mainly because of the tendency of somatisation in this disorder. Family physician, who plays an important role in the management of depressive patients, should have a clear diagnostic criteria and a good plan of management. Suicidal risk evaluation is essential and can save lives in this disorder. REFERENCES 1-Fish D. New choices in treating depression. The Practitioner 1998;242:24-32. 2-Murtagh J. General Practice(second edition). Sydney:McGraw-Hill,1998;130-136. 3-Churchill R, et al. Should general practitioners refer patients with major depression to counsellors?A review of current published evidence. British Journal of General Practice1999;49:738-742. 4-Feldman. Managing psychiatric disorders in primary care. Hosp. Pract (Off Ed.) 2000; 15;35(6):75-78,81-84,90. 5-Wright A. Hidden depression:how to spot it. The Practitioner 1996;240:298-305. 6-Lundquist RS, Bernens A, Olsen CG. Comorbid Disease in Geriatric Patients: Dementia and Depression. American Family Physician1997;55(8):2687-2692. |
7-Director of Public Health Annual Report 2001.Chapter 6:Depression.Dyfed Health Authority.Website:www.dyfpws-ha.wales.nhs.uk. 8-Cadieux RJ. Practical Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression. American Family Physician 1998;58(9):2059-2062. 9-Berber JM. Pharmacological treatment of depression:Consulting Dr Oscar. Canadian Family Physician 1999;45:2663-2668. 10-Kendrick T. Depression management clinics in general practice? BMJ 2000; 320: 527-528. 11-Bhatia SC, Bhatia SK. Major Depression:Selecting Safe and Effective Treatment. American Family Physician 1997;55(5):1683-1693. |
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