title: [Summary of the Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline 'Depression'].
abstract: This guideline gives recommendations for the management of depression and depressive symptoms. The diagnosis of suspected depression requires a broad exploration of symptoms, sometimes over several visits. The guideline promotes self-management and patient empowerment during the healing process. The initial step in the treatment of depressive symptoms is patient education; patients with depression are supported with activity scheduling and are offered a short course of psychological treatment. If the initial treatment in patients with depression is not effective or if the depression is associated with severe suffering, severe social dysfunctioning or severe psychiatric comorbidity, psychotherapy or an antidepressant is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, afd. Richtlijnontwikkeling & Wetenschap, Utrecht, the Netherlands. m.vanavendonk@nhg.org
authors.forename: Mariëlle  J P
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Avendonk
authors.forename: Evelyn  M
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Weel-Baumgarten
authors.forename: Gerda  M
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: van der Weele
authors.forename: Tjerk
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wiersma
authors.forename: Jako S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Burgers
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D058006:General Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents