Mary E Burman1, Jennifer Petrie. 1. Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA. mburman@uwyo.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the diagnostic and treatment patterns for depression and anxiety in clients receiving care at a free clinic. DATA SOURCES: Charts for 43 clients who received antidepressant or anxiolytic medications were randomly selected and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Clients presented to the clinic symptomatic; almost two thirds had been treated elsewhere. Most clients received pharmacological treatment and referral for counseling. Forty-four percent of the clients were still being treated at their last visit, but 33% were no longer being seen, and it could not be determined if they were receiving care at another clinic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: If sustained relationships with clients with depression and anxiety can be developed, appropriate care can be provided.
PURPOSE: To describe the diagnostic and treatment patterns for depression and anxiety in clients receiving care at a free clinic. DATA SOURCES: Charts for 43 clients who received antidepressant or anxiolytic medications were randomly selected and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Clients presented to the clinic symptomatic; almost two thirds had been treated elsewhere. Most clients received pharmacological treatment and referral for counseling. Forty-four percent of the clients were still being treated at their last visit, but 33% were no longer being seen, and it could not be determined if they were receiving care at another clinic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: If sustained relationships with clients with depression and anxiety can be developed, appropriate care can be provided.