Depressed patients who complain of physical, not psychological symptoms need different treatment approach, study finds

A primary care depression intervention is more effective for patients with predominantly psychological versus physical
symptoms, according to this group-randomized trial involving 200 patients.


A two-year ongoing intervention for patients who complained of psychological symptoms improved clinical outcomes while
reducing outpatient costs by $980 per patient.


In contrast, a two-year ongoing intervention for patients who complained exclusively of physical symptoms failed to improve
clinical outcomes beyond usual care, while increasing outpatient costs by $1,378 per patient over two years.

The
findings suggest a need for developing new intervention approaches for depressed patients who complain of physical symptoms.



RTC of a Care Manager Intervention for Major Depression in Primary Care: 2-Year Costs for Patients with Physical vs
Psychological Symptoms

By L. Miriam Dickson, Ph.D., et al


Angela Lower - aloweraafp

American Academy of Family Physicians


January/February Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet


Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Practice, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Practice
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. The journal is published six times each year and
contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on
methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the
sponsoring organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups can be accessed free
of charge on the journal's Web site, American Academy of Family
Physicians.