Making Decisions About Depression Medications

Translation of Comparative Effectiveness of Depression Medications Into Practice

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Depression Medication Choice decision aid is effective in involving patients with depression in making deliberate choices when considering medication treatment.

To determine the ability of decision aids to effectively translate a depression comparative effectiveness research (CER) review into practice, the investigators have developed a literacy-sensitive depression treatment decision aid, DEPRESSION MEDICATION CHOICE, which adapts the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)'s Effective Healthcare comparative effectiveness review and associated patient guide about antidepressant medicines to satisfy the needs of clinicians, patients, and other major stakeholders. The investigators will conduct a randomized study to estimate the effect of the decision aid on patient knowledge, patient involvement in decision making and decision-making quality, and on three and six-month measures of medication adherence and mental health, when compared with usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presumed diagnosis of depression (PHQ-9 of 10 or greater)
• As judged by clinician, need to initiate drug treatment for depression
• Identify primary care clinician as main depression provider
• Agree to be available for follow-up survey 6 months after treatment decision

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder
• Has major communication barrier (severe hearing/vision impairment, dementia, cannot communicate with clinician in same language)