Depression screening and management programmes with staff assistance in primary care increase response and remission rates, but programmes without staff assistance do not show benefits
- Correspondence to Steve Wood
Department of Psychological Medicine, Cardiff University, 2nd Floor, Monmouth House, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; woodsd{at}cf.ac.uk
Depression is a public health issue of worldwide importance. A World Health Organization study1 estimated that in 2030 the three leading causes of disability-adjusted life years would be HIV/AIDS, depressive disorders and ischemic heart disease. Current social trends, including reductions in the size of family units, increased use of alcohol and drugs, and increased urbanisation and migration suggest that depression will eventually become the leading cause of disability and burden worldwide. Issues relating to its recognition, treatment and management are, justifiably, subjects of much research activity.
This systematic review was carried out on behalf of …
