title: [Diagnostics and therapy of depression in the general practice].
abstract: Depressive disorders are commonly encountered by primary care practitioners. Some four million people in Germany suffer from depression. This disease, which is life-threatening primarily due to the suicide risk, is still often not recognized and, consequently, undertreated. Once diagnosed, depression can be treated successfully with antidepressants, cognitive behavior therapy/interpersonal psychotherapy or a combination of both. Newer, selective drugs are preferred when choosing a suitable antidepressant due to their better tolerability and lower toxicity. A synopsis of the diagnosis and therapeutic algorithm of depressive disorders as well as recommendations for referrals to a specialist or hospital for the primary care physician are provided.
authors.affiliation: Arztlicher Direktor des Bezirksklinikums Gabersee, Wasserburg a. Inn, LMU München. g.laux.bzk-gabersee@t-online.de
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Laux
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents