[Elements for the effective treatment of patients with depressive disorders at the primary care level]

Patients with a depressive disorder usually consult their family doctor, in particular when physical symptoms are to the fore. With the aid of a screening questionnaire that the patient completes in the waiting room, it can be determined whether depression might be present. In the next step, the diagnosis is clarified by specific questioning about the core symptoms. At the start of treatment, the patient should be informed about the nature of his illness. The more convincingly an appropriate treatment concept can be explained to the patient, the better will his cooperation be. Mild or moderate depression is treated by the general physician. If the patient fails to respond to treatment within two to three weeks, or if complications occur, a specialist should be consulted.