Primary care monitoring of depressive symptoms in young people

Abstract

Background: Monitoring depressive symptoms and suicidality is essential in the management of depression in young people, yet routine monitoring is rare. This qualitative study sought to explore the experiences and beliefs of general practitioners about factors associated with monitoring youth depression in primary care settings. Methods: Two focus groups with general practitioners (n = 12) were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. A semi-structured interview schedule was used. Results: In the primary care setting, monitoring was perceived as part of a continuum of care that begins with screening and diagnosis and as beneficial mostly in regards to informi..