Clinical practice guidelines for depression

R Mahendran, HL Yap
Correspondence: Dr Rathi Mahendran, rathi_mahendran@imh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
The Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression were prepared and distributed to all doctors in Singapore in early 2004. This article highlights salient points and discusses pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation in managing cases of depression. Assessment of suicide risk is elaborated upon, although this was not discussed in the guidelines. The learning points will be enhanced if this article is reviewed together with the Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Keywords: clinical practice guidelines, depression, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(11): 610-615