Depression in Primary Care

Depression is a major condition often causing as much impairment as chronic medical conditions. Depression may be either the primary disorder underlying patients' complaints or a depressive reaction in response to painful or debilitating physical illnesses and their treatments. In "Depression in Primary Care" C. Clifford Attkisson and Jane Zich have orchestrated the views of leading experts in the area of depression screening. The book examines the conceptual, methodological, statistical, and clinical issues that have emerged in the investigation of the value of screening for depression in general medical clinics. The contributors critique past research, recommend clinical strategies, highlight special population issues and set an agenda for future scientific investigations. They comprise a multidisciplinary group of practitioners, researchers, and methodological experts who present the major issues and controversies surrounding screening for depression in primary care.