[Diagnosis of depression in general practice]

About 10 percent of all patients in general practice suffer from a depression. In about one half of these cases depressive syndromes remain undetected by the physician. Common leading symptoms in these undiagnosed patients are: pain, rapid exhaustion, irritability and sexual problems. Depressive episodes in women are twice as frequent as in men. Furthermore, chronic diseases, chronic pain symptoms, addiction problems as well as recent, psychologically burdening events increase the risk for a depression. If anamnesis or clinical investigation are suggestive for a depression, the patient should be explored systematically with respect to his symptoms. Main symptoms of a depression are depressed mood, loss of enthusiasm and joyfulness as well as depressed motivation and increased fatigability. Further common symptoms are reduced self-confidence, unfounded self-accusations, suicidal thoughts, reduced ability to concentrate, hyperagitation or psychomotor restriction, sleeping disorders as well as loss of appetite. Since depression can be positively influenced by antidepressive drugs or suitable psychotherapeutic methods, early diagnosis by the physician is of decisive importance.