Major Depressive Disorder in Primary Care: Strategies for Identification

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting more than 300 million people of all ages globally, and is now the leading cause of disability. Despite the availability of effective psychological and pharmacologic treatments, depression recognition and treatment rates remain low. Clinicians can improve the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of depression by using a measurement-based care approach. The systematic use of validated screening tools can improve recognition and diagnosis. The US Preventive Services Task force recommends routine screening of depression in adults and adolescents as long as systems are in place for accurate diagnosis, treatment initiation, and appropriate follow-up. Here, tools and diagnostic criteria are described.