Hampshire Depression Project: changes in the process of care and cost consequences

Records of patients included in a trial of educating practice reams about t he management of depression were examined to determine changes in the proce ss of care. There were no significant differences in the proportions recogn ised or treated for depression. Only 15% of those with possible, and 26% of those with probable, major depressive disorder were prescribed recommended doses and duration of antidepressants. The education apparently delayed a switch away from tricyclics while achieving a similar outcome. However heal th service costs were mainly non-sychiatric, and there were no significant savings as a result.