Faces Of Depression In Primary Care: Depression Symptomology & Functional Outcomes From Early To Late Adulthood

Depression is a common disorder and leading cause of disability worldwide, which impacts an estimated 280 million individuals or ~5% of the adult population.¹ Primary care clinicians are often the first access point for individuals experiencing behavioral health symptoms, particularly depression.² Although they have the training and expertise required to address mental illnesses, differences in presentation across the lifespan and presence of medical comorbidities can complicate recognition and effective treatment of major depressive disorder.

During this presentation, perspectives on the role of primary care in identifying, assessing, and managing major depressive disorder across the lifespan will be discussed. An emphasis on some of the unique complexities within the primary care landscape and an examination of the burden of disease with respect to functional outcomes will be provided. Finally, the various treatments for depression and the role they may play in overall depression improvement and functionality will be highlighted.

References:

1. World Health Organization 2022 website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
2. Jetty et al. 2021Assessing Primary Care Contributions to Behavioral Health: A Cross-sectional Study Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey; Journal of Primary Care & Community Health Volume 12: 1–6.