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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