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Clinical guidelines for the treatment of depressive disorders. II. Principles of management
1Centre for Depression and Anxiety, Calgary, Alberta.
Background:
The Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments partnered to produce clinical guidelines for psychiatrists for the treatment of depressive disorders.
Methods:
A standard guidelines development process was followed. Relevant literature was identified using a computerized Medline search supplemented by review of bibliographies. Operational criteria were used to rate the quality of scientific evidence, and the line of treatment recommendations included consensus clinical opinion. This section on "Principles of Management" is 1 of 7 articles drafted and reviewed by clinicians. Revised drafts underwent national and international expert peer review.
Results:
The principles and goals of psychiatric management with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are reviewed. Two phases of treatment, acute and maintenance, are identified. Special topics, including inpatient management, suicide management, and medical-legal issues are also discussed.
Conclusions:
These principles of psychiatric management provide a framework for the use of specific treatments for depressive disorders.