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Depression: When and How to Treat a Debilitating Disease

Valerie A. Hart, EdD, APRN, CS

This feature article presents a systematic review of the pathophysiology of various forms of depression. Recent data on pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions for specific depressive illnesses and criteria for referral will be reviewed.

Overview

An estimated 4.6% to 8.6% of patients seen by primary care professionals suffer from depression and only about one-third to one-half of those depression cases are detected during a consultation. Changes in the way healthcare is delivered make it more important than ever for primary care professionals to assume responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of this common disorder. This article provides an overview of the pharmacologic options for treating the many forms of this debilitating disease. Criteria for deciding when to refer a patient to a mental health professional are also discussed.

• Describe the pathophysiology of the various forms of depression

• Describe the pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical options for treating various types of depression

• Identify criteria for referring patients to a mental health professional

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been granted 1 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes .6 hours of pharmacology) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Program ID 0505210.

Accreditation Period

This activity was initially published on August 1, 2005 and is eligible for credit through July 31, 2007.