Management of Depression in Primary Care

Management of Depression in Primary Health Care: a Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Regular, Structured, Patient-centered Visits

Most people in Sweden with mild to moderate depression are treated in primary care, but follow-up is unstructured, and we know little about whether structured, follow-up would affect the prognosis for depression and working life. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of regular, structured, patient-centered visits on mild to moderate depression.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and up
• Attends a participating primary health care center in the region
• Diagnosis of mild/moderate depressive disorder (new episode)
• No change in possible antidepressant maintenance therapy during the preceding 1 month
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Antidepressant medication initiated or changed during the preceding 1 month
• Patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder (BDI-II >28)
• Patients diagnosed of severe mental psychiatric disorder (i.e. bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, psychosis, substance use disorder or other serious mental disorder)
• Suicidal ideation or intentions
• Inability to speak and understand Swedish language well enough to take part in the activities required in the study.
• Cognitive impairment that makes it impossible to take part in the activities required in the study
• Does not provide written informed consent to participation in the study