CLINICAL-PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING MAJOR DEPRESSION IN PRIMARY-CARE PRACTICE - IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS

Clinical practice guidelines are being developed by professional and governmental bodies to improve the quality of health care. The guidelines developed by the U.S. Public Health Service Agency for Health Care Policy and Research seek to improve the primary care physician's ability to diagnose and treat major depression. Clinical, educational, and research implications for psychologists are considered in light of how the recommended guidelines potentially will influence the nature and quality of care provided for mood disorders by generalist physicians.