Depressive illness in general practice.

A review of published literature concerning psychological illness in General Practice shows that the spectrum of illness seen differs considerably from that met with in hospital practice. The incidence of depressive illness in General Practice is described and the relationship of life events, physical disease and social factors to depression are noted. The difficulties experienced in the diagnosis of depression in the General Practice setting are described and evidence is given of the high use of drug therapy in the General Practice management of depression. The need for education in psychological illness that is more appropriate to the understanding and management of depression in General Practice is stressed.