Identifying depression in primary care.

A major challenge facing primary care physicians is rapid diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. Misdiagnosis of ailments can result in increased patient suffering, complications due to improper treatment, wasted healthcare resources, and excessive return clinic visits. These factors, in turn, increase frustration for both doctor and patient and widen the gap in communication between patient and physician. The challenge of rapid, accurate diagnosis is especially crucial in patients with psychiatric disorders, who often present with somatic symptoms that can confuse diagnosis. In this article, Dr Lieberman reviews the problem of misdiagnosis of psychiatric disorders and discusses effective methods for detecting such disorders in primary care.