Screening
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is the most common screening tool to identify depression. It is available in Spanish, as well as in a modified version for adolescents.
http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/images/res/PHQ%20-%20Questions.pdf
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is helpful in the accurate diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and to differentiate it from Major Depression. It takes five minutes to complete and can provide important insight and facilitate more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/pdfs/MDQ.pdf
The Medicare Learning Network “Screening for Depression” Booklet is now available in hard copy format. This booklet is designed to provide education on screening for depression. It includes coverage, coding, billing, and payment information. To access a new or revised product available for order in hard copy format, go to MLN Products and click on “MLN Product Ordering Page” under “Related Links” at the bottom of the web page.
http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/index.html
Treatment by PCP
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence developed the NICE Guidelines for the Treatment of Depression.
The MacArthur Foundation Initiative on Depression and Primary Care has created a Depression Toolkit is intended to help primary care clinicians recognize and manage depression.
The NIH provides a quick, easy and up to date recourse on all of the common mental health conditions. The depression page provides information on the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis treatment and suggestions for living with depression
Resources for Behavioral Health Clinicians & Teachers
Depression: Out of the Shadows, a PBS produced a documentary film in the 80’s featuring interviews of well-known people describing their personal experiences with depression. The stories are powerful and moving, giving the viewer a glimpse of what depression feels like.
APA Releases Guideline on Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Wider, EW, Block, S. Managing. Grief and Depression at the End of Life. American Family Physician. 2012:86(3); 259-264.
Two Minute Talks to Improve Psychology and Behavioral Health, Clabby, John F. 2011. Radcliffe Publishing, London. 172 pp. (Paperback - $39.95) The book describes a variety of non-pharmacological treatments for depression that can be offered along with medication or in place of it.
EHR Resources
The SAMHSA-HRSA website has a Point-of-care Toolbox of Resources to assist the physician.
Depression: What You Should Know. American Family Physician. 2006 Oct. 15; 74(8):1395-1396
Medications
STAR*D Study
Rush, AJ et al. Acute and Longer Term Outcome in Depressed Outpatient Requiring One or Several Treatment Steps: A STAR*D Report. Acute and Longer-Term Outcomes in Depressed Outpatients Requiring One or Several Treatment Steps: A STAR*D Report. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;163(11):1905-1917.
Hughes, CW et al. Texas Children's Medication Algorithm Project: Update from Texas Consensus Conference Panel on Medication Treatment of Childhood Major Depressive Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jun;46(6):667-86.
Medication Guide About Using Antidepressants in Children and Teenager