Detection and Treatment of Depression in a VA Primary Care Clinic

The Veterans Health Administration clinical guideline for major depressive disorder was used in screening 574 male veterans treated in primary care settings in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Thirteen percent (N=73) screened positive for depression, and 33 percent of those patients showed evidence of a major depressive episode. Pre- and posttreatment assessment of a sample of 16 patients treated for depression in a primary care setting revealed statistically significant improvement with treatment.