Depression is both an overused term and too often a poorly managed condition. The authors
have written this short text to help explain depression: its symptoms causes and risks its
impact and how it can be identified treated and prevented. Depression is one of the
commonest presenting problems in primary care but all too often it is not identified and goes
untreated. Yet individuals who seek help for their depression - and whose healthcare
professionals (HCPs) recognize it - can be treated effectively. For this to happen HCPs need
appropriate knowledge and skills based on robust and up-to-date evidence and to be supported
by appropriate systems for service delivery. Table of Contents: -Overview -Definitions and
diagnosis -Epidemiology and impact -Identification in clinical practice and prevention
-Management -Women and depression -Combination with physical health problems -Self-harm and
suicide
