Depressive disorder: diagnosis and management in general practice in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To formulate guidelines for diagnosis and management of depressive illness in general practice in Pakistan. METHODS Using guidelines developed through research in primary care, this article explains how depressive illness could be diagnosed using diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) criteria and managed systematically at general practice level in Pakistan. RESULTS Diagnosing depression accurately and choosing the right anti-depressant and giving it for adequate length of time are crucial factors in effective management of depression. CONCLUSION Depressive illness can be diagnosed and managed effectively in general practice in Pakistan and only a minority of patients would need to be referred to psychiatrists.