TABLE 2.

GPs assessment and intervention.

	GP1	GP2	GP3	GP4	GP5
First response	Not pathological. A moment later: depressive symptoms. It does not “feel” like a depression	Does not want to label. Determines a few minutes later a “possible depression”	If the complaints exceed 2 weeks, she meets the diagnosis of depression according to the DSM	Thinks a depression is unlikely	Mood disorder
Diagnose	Using NHG standards. Not sure if symptoms meet the criteria “Maybe”	When the symptoms meet the NHG standards	A depression. Clearly, according to the DSM.	Does not use the NHG standards and DSM. No diagnosis by the GP.	Not yet.
Action	At first, normalizing. Follow up contact or consult at PN-MH.	First exclude physical causes. Consult PN-MH when symptoms meet NHG standards	Depending on the complaints PN-MH, a psychologist, or psychiatrist. Possibly start with antidepressants	Exclude physical causes. Further action depends on questionnaire completed by the patient	Follow up contact or consult at PN-MH for knowing the degree of severity
Other	Prescribes less antidepressants than 10 years ago. GP has also a societal function	Argues to take life phase problem out of the medical domain	Important to use DSM criteria for the common understanding; otherwise, there will be confusion	Sees GP more as a guide. Diagnose and prescribing antidepressants belongs to the task of a psychiatrist	Thinks there needs to happen more on societal level regarding the subject