J L Rushton1, S J Clark, G L Freed. 1. Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0718, USA. jrushton@umich.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide a self-described assessment of pediatricians' and family physicians' management of childhood depression. DESIGN: Mail survey of 595 general pediatricians and 557 family physicians in North Carolina. RESULTS: The response rate was 66%. Most primary care physicians used referral (65%) and counseling (61%) for management of childhood depression. Family physicians used medications more commonly (18% vs 9%), and pediatricians referred patients more commonly (77% vs 48%). In logistic regression analysis, physicians comfortable with management of depression (odds ratio [OR], 4.8: 2.7-8.4), physicians who believed that antidepressants are more effective than counseling (OR, 2.6: 1.4-4.8), and family physicians (OR, 2.2: 1.9-4.1) were more likely to have used medications for childhood depression. CONCLUSIONS: Most primary care physicians refer pediatric patients with depression; however, practice patterns vary by specialty and other factors. Future studies must consider the role of primary care and evaluate how interspecialty variations affect costs and outcomes of childhood depression.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a self-described assessment of pediatricians' and family physicians' management of childhood depression. DESIGN: Mail survey of 595 general pediatricians and 557 family physicians in North Carolina. RESULTS: The response rate was 66%. Most primary care physicians used referral (65%) and counseling (61%) for management of childhood depression. Family physicians used medications more commonly (18% vs 9%), and pediatricians referred patients more commonly (77% vs 48%). In logistic regression analysis, physicians comfortable with management of depression (odds ratio [OR], 4.8: 2.7-8.4), physicians who believed that antidepressants are more effective than counseling (OR, 2.6: 1.4-4.8), and family physicians (OR, 2.2: 1.9-4.1) were more likely to have used medications for childhood depression. CONCLUSIONS: Most primary care physicians refer pediatric patients with depression; however, practice patterns vary by specialty and other factors. Future studies must consider the role of primary care and evaluate how interspecialty variations affect costs and outcomes of childhood depression.
Authors: James P Guevara; Aileen Rothbard; David Shera; Huaqing Zhao; Christopher B Forrest; Kelly Kelleher; Donald Schwarz Journal: Ambul Pediatr Date: 2007 Mar-Apr
Authors: Anton R Miller; Charlotte Johnston; Anne F Klassen; Stuart Fine; Michael Papsdorf Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2005-03-11 Impact factor: 2.497