title: Depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients: a thematic analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We explored experiences of depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients referred to a metropolitan multidisciplinary outpatient clinic to identify commonalities across this patient group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with two or more chronic conditions and a diagnosis of depression participated in semi-structured interviews that were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcriptions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multimorbid patients attributed depressive symptoms to the loss of 'normal' roles and functionality and struggled to reconcile the depression diagnosis with their sense of identity. Beliefs about themselves and depression affected their receptivity to diagnosis and intervention strategies. These included prescribed interventions, such as psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and patient-developed strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Functional and social role losses present a clear context in which GPs should raise the subject of mood, with the situational attribution of depression suggesting that psychotherapy, which is rarely offered, should be prioritised in these circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of General Practice, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia. melinda.stanners@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Melinda N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Stanners
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.forename: Sepehr
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shakib
authors.forename: Helen R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Winefield
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057545:Social Stigma
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents