Depression

POSITIVE DEPRESSION SCREENS—WHAT NEXT?

• An important aspect of assessment is distinguishing major for minor depression, as treatment is different. Major depression is best treated through a combination of medication and therapy, while minor depression may best be managed with a period of watchful waiting.
• Another important aspect of assessment is determining the presence of absence of other problems, such as smoking, anxiety, cognitive problems, and alcohol misuse, all of which complicate depression treatment.
• Screening patients in primary care provides an indication of symptoms, but further evaluation is often needed to address important diagnostic features such as duration of symptoms, degree of impairment, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.³ Additionally, many conditions have symptoms that are common to depression and may trigger a false positive screen.
• Primary Care Clinicians should refer patients who screen positive for depression to the BHL. The BHL will provide the primary care team with a comprehensive assessment and assist in treatment planning.
• The BHL functions much like a clinical hematology laboratory, conducting specific tests and sending the test results back to the clinician with guidelines for their interpretation and recommendations to assist in clinical decision-making.

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