[A survey on depressive states in general practice]

The aim of this work is to study the depressive patients which are treated by general practitioners. A sample survey was made with four different populations. The systematic use of investigations gave an important participation. 682 depressions were studied which represent 4% of all the out patients. 70% are female. Insomnia, anxiety and asthenia are the three prominent psychic symptoms. Many physical symptoms and predisposing factors were mentioned. The diagnosis of reactive depression is the one most often used. Anxiolytics are more widely prescribed than antidepressants. Hypnotics are the third most often prescribed drugs. General practitioners seldom refer patients to psychiatrists or psychoanalysts.