Abstract
The author employs recent diagnostic criteria to distinguish between depressive illness (major depressive episode) and other conditions involving depressive mood that more commonly present to the family physician. Relative indications for antidepressant medication and for two types of psychotherapy are discussed. The potential results of routinely prescribing antidepressants to patients who complain of depressive mood are outlined.
Keywords: depression, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, antidepressants
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Selected References
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