Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Kramer, T. L. Articles by Dewan, N. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Kramer, T. L. Articles by Dewan, N. A. Depression

Psychiatric Practice Variations in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Depression

OBJECTIVE: Practice variations in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with major depression were examined within six psychiatric practices participating in a national outcomes-management project. METHODS: Six of 20 psychiatric clinics met selection criteria for this study and provided a database of 5,106 patients. Patients completed the BASIS-32, the Short-Form-36 Health Survey, and a Beginning Services Survey. Treatment information was also obtained directly from the clinician or through a medical record review. RESULTS: Although 73.1 to 77 percent of patients screened positive for a depressive disorder, only 18.5 to 36.8 percent were diagnosed with major depression (p<.001). Between 39 and 72 percent of patients received psychotropic medications, a significant difference across sites (p<.001). In addition, the number of psychotherapy sessions was significantly different across sites (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient care varies considerably across psychiatric practices, a finding that is particularly relevant for developers of performance indicators and risk-adjustment strategies for mental health.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. Drake, J. Skinner, and H. H. Goldman What Explains the Diffusion of Treatments for Mental Illness? Am J Psychiatry, November 1, 2008; 165(11): 1385 - 1392. [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. L. Kramer, T. L. Miller, S. D. Phillips, and J. M. Robbins Quality of Mental Health Care for Depressed Adolescents American Journal of Medical Quality, April 1, 2008; 23(2): 96 - 104. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. L. Kramer and W. N. Glazer Best Practices: Our Quest for Excellence in Behavioral Health Care Psychiatr Serv, February 1, 2001; 52(2): 157 - 159. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Fortney, K. Rost, M. Zhang, and J. Pyne The Relationship Between Quality and Outcomes in Routine Depression Care Psychiatr Serv, January 1, 2001; 52(1): 56 - 62. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. M. Glazer Variations in Practice Psychiatr Serv, June 1, 2000; 51(6): 817 - 817. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2000 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us