synergy

Step in the Right Direction

The New York Times published an article talking about how some insurance companies are starting to focus more resources on the prevention and treatment of depression.

I like that the insurance group is starting to encourage doctors to diagnose and treat depression. The one piece that does concern me is that so many primary care doctors don't seem to understand anti-depressant drugs. Either they don't explain the side effects to their patients, so the patients stop taking. Or the lag of 4-12 weeks before improvement is not adequately explained, and the patient becomes impatient with the lack of results.

I know that psychiatrists are in short supply, so the primary care doctors become the responsible parties. However, I would like to see this emphasis accompanied with further training on depression and the medications.

posted by synergy @ 9:18 AM