ATLANTA, Oct 8, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- All U.S. primary care providers should
screen adults for depression, officials of the American College of Preventive
Medicine say.
The ACPM, a national organization of physicians, announced new guidelines it
says are in line with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation
that primary care providers have systems in place to screen and treat
depression.
"Depressive disorders are common in primary care settings and are associated
with substantial morbidity and disability for individuals, as well as direct and
indirect costs to society," Dr. Michael Compton of Atlanta, who is one of the
ACPM guideline authors, says in a statement. "Yet, depression is a highly
treatable condition, and the goal of treatment is complete recovery."
Compton says all primary care providers should be equipped to screen for
depression and to assure timely and adequate treatment, either in their own
practices or through an established system of referral to mental health
professionals.
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