Depression in general practice

Abstract

Attempts to classify depressive illness have become increasingly more complex and controversial. Perhaps from the General Practitioner's point of view, it is wise to adopt this simple but clear classification;(1). A naturally motivated mood or normal non-pathological reaction (2). Reactive or neurotic depression and (3). The depressive Psychosis. Experience in our field shows that only about 5 percent of all depressions that we encounter daily belong to group (3). In my opinion any case belonging to this group should be immediately referred to the psychiatrist or to a mental hospital. During the various psychotherapeutic measures the dialogue with the family doctor probably plays the most important role as this enables the patient, to purge himself of his problems. Nevertheless, in my view, in certain respects the family doctor has an advantage over the psychiatrist because he has probably known the patient, his family and his environment for a long time.