Depression Guideline Panel

The authors measure of quality of care was based on the Depression Guideline Panel (1993) recommendations and American Psychiatric Association (2003) guidelines. These state that if antidepressant medication is... 

Depression Guideline Panel. 1993. Depression in Primary Care Treatment of Major Depression. Rockville, MD U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. 

It is still debated whether patients with two previous episodes should receive maintenance treatment. Overall, maintenance treatment has been recommended for adult depressed patients with two episodes who have one or more of the following criteria (Depression Guideline Panel, 1993) (1) a family history of bipolar disorder or recurrent depression, (2) early onset of the first depressive episode (before age 20), and (3) both episodes were severe or life threatening and occurred during the past 3 years. Given that depression in youth has similar clinical presentation, sequelae, and natural course as in adults, these guidelines should probably be applied for youth with two previous major depressive episodes. 

Note. Data from Depression Guideline Panel (1993a). 

FIGURE 3.1. Phases of treatment for depression The five R s. Data from Kupfer (1991) and Depression Guideline Panel (1993b). 

Note. Data from Depression Guideline Panel (1993b) and Rush (personal conunu-nication, 1999). 

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