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Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of depression

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a major public health problem and a leading predictor of functional disability and mortality. The annual economic consequences of depression have been estimated at 83 billion dollars in the United States [1] and 118 billion euro in Europe [2]. Optimal depression treatment improves outcomes for most patients.

Although most adults with clinically significant depression never see a mental health professional, they often see a primary care physician. Yet substantial numbers of depressed primary care patients remain undiagnosed or under-treated, reflecting attitudes and practices of physicians, patients, families, and health care systems. A systematic review of 36 studies found that non-psychiatric physicians missed the diagnosis of depression in over one half of patients seen [3], although these findings should be interpreted with recognition of the difference between primary care and psychiatric practice in the severity of depression, the complexity of diagnosing and treating depression in the context of other chronic medical illness, and the primary care approach to diagnosis over several office visits.

This topic will focus on the clinical features and diagnosis of depression. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of depression in adults and elderly patients are discussed separately:

TERMINOLOGY

It is important to recognize the potential for confusion engendered by multiple uses of the term 'depression.' Depression may refer to:

                                       

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Literature review current through: May 2013. | This topic last updated: Feb 19, 2013.
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