'I mean what is depression?' A qualitative exploration of UK general practitioners' perceptions of distinctions between emotional distress and depressive disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Detection of depression is a key part of primary mental healthcare. However, determining whether depressive disorder is or is not present in primary care patients is complex. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore general practitioners' (GPs) perceptions of distinctions between emotional distress and depressive disorder.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

Face-to-face and telephone interviews with GPs from the South of England.

Participants

GPs working in UK primary care practices (n=21).

Method

Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide, were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Views were divergent when directly considering whether emotional distress could be distinguish

SUBMITTER: Geraghty AWA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6924803 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature