depression
DEPRESSION
Treatment Guideline Chart

Depression is a mood disorder wherein the patient has a pervasive sad mood or loss of interest in most activities for at least 2 weeks.

It can cause significant distress and impairment. It is also a chronic, episodic and relapsing syndrome.

Treatment can be by psychotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy alone or psychotherapy combined with pharmacological therapy.

Depression Management

Follow Up

 Follow-up After Acute Phase Treatment

  • Provide frequent follow-up during the 1st 2-4 months of therapy until remission occurs (acute phase)
    • Monitor for adverse drug effects, response to therapy
    • Assess degree of danger to self or others
    • Monitor symptomatic and functional status
    • Watch out for switch to mania
  • Re-assess therapy after 4-8 weeks
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