The management of depression in older people in primary care: A survey of general practitioners

Abstract

Depression is common in older people, but in primary care it is frequently under-detected and usually untreated.This study used a questionnaire survey of general practitioners (GPs) in 12 areas of England and Wales to investigate their views about the detection and management of depression, and also conducted a local assessment of service characteristics. Most GPs recognized the importance of making an early diagnosis of depression, but 30% of them were unclear whether they needed further training. Only half of the GPs were satisfied with the local specialist services for depression. Services that used the care programme approach or had keyworker systems, and those that had made efforts to contact and educate GPs were seen as better quality. Providers of specialist services should ensure that they consider the needs of primary care. National and local initiatives to educate and support GPs in identifying and managing depression should be a high priority.