title: The optometrist's role in the management of clinical depressive disorders.
abstract: The long-term relationship that optometrists have with their patients enables them to note changes in affect, behavior, and functioning that could indicate serious mental illness, including clinical depression. Given the significant disability associated with this disease and the increased risk of suicide, appropriate management is critical. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression and its appropriate referral.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York, State College of Optometry, New York, New York 10036, USA. sschwartz@sunyopt.edu
authors.forename: Steven H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009907:Optometry; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012380:Role