[Chronic course and psychosocial disability caused by depressive illnesses in general practice patients during a one year period. Results of a study by the World Health Organization].

As part of an international WHO study on psychological disorders in primary health care, patients were examined for mental disorders and especially depression and social disability in the course of 1 year. Depression is common in primary care (8.6%) and frequently associated with recurring or chronic courses (33.3%). Depression at baseline leads to a 100% increase of lost working days (3.2 per month) 1 year later as compared to patients without depression (1.7). The diagnosis of depression at baseline poses a greater risk for a relevant and lasting psychosocial disability (28.2%) than e.g. chronic somatic illnesses (8.6%). Even the diagnosis of a subthreshold depression leads comparatively to a higher degree of psychosocial disability (15.6% of patients) and days of absenteeism at work during the last month (2.9 days).