Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression

Date: 04/03/18

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2015, more than 16 million adults (ages 18 and older), or 6.7 percent of all adults, had at least one depressive episode in the last year.

Clinical practice guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association describe recommended actions at each stage of treatment, including activities that should take place during all phases of treatment. Here are a few of those activities. Read them all at psychiatryonline.org/guidelines.

·         Complete the psychiatric assessment, including a physical and mental status exam and a review of existing over-the-counter and prescription medications.

·         Evaluate the safety of the patient to determine the risk of suicide.

·         Establish the appropriate treatment setting, using the least restrictive setting possible.

·         Evaluate and address functional impairments and quality of life, maximizing the patient’s ability to work, attend school and participate in social and leisure activities.

·         Coordinate the patient’s care with other clinicians.

·         Monitor the patient’s psychiatric status, watching for new or changing symptoms.