[Diagnosis of depressive syndromes in general practice]

There are several situations when non-psychiatric physicians are called upon to diagnose and eventually treat patients suffering from depression. The author explores the advantages and disadvantages of having affective disorders diagnosed and treated by non-psychiatrists. The use and meaning of the term depression are discussed here, and the general practitioner interested in the treatment of the depressive disorders is encouraged to adopt diagnostic criteria such as those in DSM-III. In addition, the classification of affective disorders is briefly reviewed, and the author emphasizes the importance of the differential diagnosis, since many depressive syndromes result from underlying medical disorders. Biological markers for depression and scales to measure its symptoms are also discussed. Finally, the non-psychiatric physician is encouraged to acquire basic knowledge of clinical psychiatry and obtain supervision from psychiatrists when necessary, if he wants to treat patients presenting depressive symptomatology.