Depression in primary care: Knowledge for practice

Article Abstract:

Depression is a disorder of mood and symptoms include suicidal thoughts, feelings of guilt, loss of interest, lowered mood, reduced concentration, lack of energy and sleep and weight disturbances. Symptoms will last at least two weeks. Around one in seven adults suffer at some time from mood disturbances, with the level much higher for homeless people. Manic depression involves extremes of mood swings. Causes of depression include social, biological and psychological factors.

Study and teaching, Primary nursing, Primary care nursing

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Depression in primary care: The role of the nurse

Article Abstract:

Anyone can suffer from depression and it is estimated that up to 50% of patients are not accurately diagnosed at first consultation. If nurses had access to information about the condition they could help in detecting it. Questionnaires or asking particular questions can indicate if depression is present. Suggestions are given for ways of improving patients' compliance with medication and assessing their risk of suicide. Further details are given in the article.

Diagnosis, Training, Nursing

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On the frontline

Article Abstract:

Patients who become depressed can often be treated successfully by general practice staff if they can take responsibility for care at an early stage. However, health professionals often react inappropriately to depressed and distressed patients. To ensure that such people are given a better service, general practitioners and practice nurses must be more aware of the onset of depression and the options for its treatment.

Care and treatment, Cover Story, Practice, Physicians (General practice), General practitioners

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