Depression Management Programs Vol. The report by Katzelnick et al 1 and recent reports from Wells et al 2 and Simon et al 3 add to our knowledge of effective ways to help our patients who suffer from major depression.
Several questions come to mind.
Careful monitoring by telephone using a specific symptom monitoring tool seems to be a common element of these programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy and some other specific psychotherapies are recognized as effective treatments for patients with mild or moderate major depression. Katzelnick D, Simon G, Pearson S, et al. Randomized trial of a depression management program in high utilizers of medical care. Arch Fam Med.