Primary Care Depression Diagnoses May Result in Unnecessary Treatment

Facilitating depression diagnosis by primary care providers may result in unnecessary treatment, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Researchers examined whether a depression engagement video or tailored interactive computer program improved depression care without increasing prescription of unnecessary antidepressants.

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Use of the tools resulted in increased recommendations for antidepressants and mental health referrals for depressed patients, though mental health was not improved at 12-week follow-up appointments.

The study concluded use of the tools also may have increased the rates of antidepressant prescription to nondepressed patients.

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