De standaard 'Depressieve stoornis' (eerste herziening) van het Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap; reactie vanuit de psychiatrie

- The first revision of the Dutch guidelines for the treatment of depressive disorders by general practitioners adapted the international psychiatric nomenclature for the diagnosis of depressive disorders. This enhances collaboration between general practitioners and psychiatrists. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in this guideline is an advantage compared to the earlier version. The distinction between the indication for cognitive therapy and for antidepressant treatment is not very clear in this guideline. Overall the guideline represents a scientific and conservative stance in the treatment of depressed patients, which is commendable. The use of target plasma level concentrations with tricyclic antidepressants, better guidelines for the use of antidepressants or cognitive therapy, and the use of severity rating scales during treatment could further improve the next version of this guideline.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005;149:509-10