MAJOR DEPRESSION IN PRIMARY MEDICAL-CARE PRACTICE - RESEARCH TRENDS AND FUTURE PRIORITIES

This paper reviews recent developments in assessing and treating major depression in primary care practice and proposes needed research dire ctions for the coming years. Topics warranting attention include the p redictive validity of psychiatric nomenclatures specific to general me dical settings; the impact of patient, clinician, and system factors o n the physician's assessment of major depression; the relationship bet ween diagnostic and treatment decisions; and the course of this disord er when treated in primary care facilities by generalists or specialis ts. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.