Ross, S., Moffat, K., McConnachie, A. , Gordon, J. and Wilson, P. (1999) Sex and attitude: a randomized vignette study of the management of depression by general practitioners. British Journal of General Practice, 49(438), pp. 17-21.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The management and detection of depression varies widely, and the causes of variation are incompletely understood. AIMS: To describe and explain general practitioners' (GPs') current practice in the recognition and management of depression in young adults, their attitudes towards depression, and to investigate associations of GP characteristics and patient sex with management.<p></p> METHOD: All GP principals in the Greater Glasgow Health Board were randomized to receive questionnaires with vignettes describing increasingly severe symptoms of depression in either male or female patients, and asked to indicate which clinical options they would be likely to take. The Depression Attitude Questionnaire was used to elicit GP attitudes.<p></p> RESULTS: As the severity of vignette symptoms increased, GPs responded by changing their prescribing and referral patterns. For the most severe vignette, the majority of GPs would prescribe drugs (76.4%) and refer the patient for further help (73.7%). Male and female patients were treated differently: GPs were less likely to ask female patients than male patients to attend a follow-up consultation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55), and female GPs were less likely to refer female patients (OR = 0.33). GPs with a pessimistic view of depression, measured using the 'inevitable course of depression' attitude scale, were less willing to be actively involved in its treatment, being less likely to discuss a non-physical cause of symptoms (OR = 0.77) or to explore social factors in moderately severe cases (OR = 0.68).<p></p> CONCLUSIONS: Accepting the limitations of the method, GPs appear to respond appropriately to increasingly severe symptoms of depression, although variation in management exists. Educational programmes should be developed with the aim of enhancing GP attitudes towards depression, and the effects on detection and management of depression should be rigorously evaluated.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McConnachie, Professor Alex and Wilson, Prof Philip |
| Authors: | Ross, S., Moffat, K., McConnachie, A., Gordon, J., and Wilson, P. |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care |
| Journal Name: | British Journal of General Practice |
| ISSN: | 0960-1643 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1478-5242 |
| Related URLs: |
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