[A strategy for therapy of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders by a health education intervention in medical consultations: the results of the APRAND program].

BACKGROUND

Studies devoted to the detection and treatment of anxiety and depression in adult populations show that at least 10% meet ICD10 criteria for an anxiety or a depressive disorder, but only half are diagnosed as such and only one third of those receive appropriate treatment. The goal of the APRAND program was to explore the possibility of improving management strategies via health education during doctors' visits.

METHODS

In 2001, EDF-GDF conducted an experimental program in which 21 physicians from its in-house health insurance program used the MINI mental state examination to screen for ICD10 criteria for anxiety and depressive disorders in 9743 employees on sick leave. A "here-elsewhere" epidemiologic study evaluated the program, recording the initial diagnoses and studying a year later the outcome of the persons identified with these disorders in 8 active centers (with prevention activities) and in 13 control centers (without prevention activities). The activities consisted of explanations of the disorders identified, delivery of the test results, delivery of leaflets based on the WHO guidelines, and strong recommendations to see a general practitioner, or a psychiatrist, or the occupational physician, if necessary. Logistic regressions compared the two groups, taking into account sex, age, geographic region, comorbidity, and medical care at screening.

RESULTS

Preventive activities were significantly associated with the disappearance at 1 year of depressive episodes (OR=1.93; CI 95%; 1.3-2.84) and of phobic or panic disorders (OR=1.98; CI 95%; 1.14-3.44). The only other variables affecting prognosis were age and sex. The probability of recovery or remission increased by 10 to 20% at active centers, according to age, sex and disorder. Moreover, the physicians reported that they learned a great deal from the program, which thus also improved their practices.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis and prognosis of depressive episodes and phobic and panic disorders in adult populations can be improved by a preventive diagnostic and educational approach of the type used by APRAND during doctor's visits.