Depression and Long Term Illness

Depression and long term physical medical conditions are often associated. Depression is often unrecognised and under-treated, being seen as part of the disease itself. Treatment for depression can improve quality of life and may improve disease outcome. This day explores the links between depression and long term illness in Primary Care, improves recognition and assessment skills, introduces screening tools and discusses the management of depression using drug and non-drug approaches.

• An opportunity to upgrade your knowledge on the recognition, assessment and effective treatment of depression.
• Skills and techniques to use in short consultations to comply with NICE Guidelines and GMS QOF allocation.
• An introduction to Evidence Based Tools for use in assessing the severity of depression.
• The opportunity to explore options for drug and non drug treatments and ways of supporting your patients and their carers within a Team Approach.
• An introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

• Effects and links between depression and long term illness
• Drug treatment of depression
• Lifestyle change possibilities
• National Guidelines

None.