Analysis Shows General Practice Doctors Botch Depression Diagnoses
July 31st, 2009
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
In the medical professions, making an exact diagnosis can sometimes be a difficult task. But a team of researchers from the University of Leicester has recently stumbled upon a remarkable fact: general practice doctors mis-diagnose cases of depression more frequently than they correctly identify it in their patients. While feelings of depression traditionally present a challenge for health professionals in terms of diagnosis, the study, which worked with over fifty thousand patients, shows that a close attention to the diagnostic process is crucial to ensure that people get the help they need –and that they aren’t medicated unnecessarily.
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I actually had the opposite experience with my depression. It actually was my GP who first diagnosed me with depression, but who was also responsible enough to get me in with a qualified psychiatrist and therapist for follow up treatment. But without that initial diagnoses made at the hands of my family doctor I may still be floundering about today wondering what was going on with me, or maybe even worse. So while I do think that there are some who overstep their bounds there are just as many others who are up to date with things that are going on and who really do a lot for people that they see from all walks of life every single day.
By not diagnosing depression correctly the patient is left to believe the family members that tell them it’s all in their head” and to snap out of it. How difficult would that be to keep on going wondering what the heck is wrong with you.
Eliza I am glad to hear that in your case this worked out well. There are some fantastic family doctors out there who have enough knowledge to make the correct diagnosis, and then enough sense to realize that a referral is probably the best in your type of situation. There are other family doctors though who would not feel right about referring the patient out for treatment, and then a disaster might be ripe for the taking. He or she might not know all about the correct treatment alternatives and an even more difficult situation could arise. In your case I am happy that everything worked out in such a great way, but I know that there have been other instances where this has not been the case. Just like in all other medical situations it is great when a doctor knows his or her limits and when the time to send the patient to someone with more experience can be beneficial and helpful.
Cory, please clarify this statement.”There are other family doctors though who would not feel right about referring the patient out for treatment, and then a disaster might be ripe for the taking. ”
In what sense would a doctor not “feel right” that would justify withholding treatment options? Would it not be more disastrous not to make that referral and have the patient do themselves harm? Help me understand please.
I just think that there are some doctors and patients as well who do not want to refer or be referred. The doctors may think they already have enough experience to treat every case that comes before them or the patient may be hesitant to go to some other doctor, especially if this is the only doctor they have ever been comfortable with. I am not saying that this happens all of the time or even that it happens often, but there has to be a possibility that this could occur. Yes most doctors are going to be able to recognize their limits but you know there are some who do not and will want to try to help even when this is not their area of study.
I think a lot of people dont tell their doctors the whole truth. Psychosomatic illnesses that specialists finally diagnose as chronic depression. I think doctors on the other hand treat depression lightly and focus on their area of expertise. Its a two way street and I think honesty is the key to this one.
Depression is an ailment just like any other. When doctors can diagnose heart disease with accuracy they should be sued if they cant diagnose depression.
In my experience as a psychotherapist, I collaborate with prescribing doctors. It has been well documented that psychotherapy, together with the right medication, is the best way to treat depression. It is sometimes necessary to start with medication so that the overwhelming physical reactions are modulated so that the client is able to participate in a meaningful way in the process of therapy. When a client asks me “Do you think I’m depressed?” I explore the thoughts and defeating self-talk that are so much a part of depression. I have had great success with cognitive work, and EMDR if traumatic or difficult memories are exacerbating the negative beliefs and self-talk. Self-care, eating well and sleeping well are also encouraged. Depression can be cured!
What an inspiring comment Beth!
In my case, the meds did nothing at all and I’d waited the 8 weeks for the “cloud lifting” to happen. My dr. told me it took that long for them to have an effect. The inner exploration you’re talking about was far more helpful than meds in my experience. I didn’t continue on mine nor change prescription. I felt deep down from day one that the answer wasn’t in a pill and often wonder if that didn’t contribute to my resistance of them.
Of course everyone’s different and you should never stop medication without speaking to your doctor about it first.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I am so glad that the inner exploration helped you. I believe depression can be a call to look inward in order to grow and heal.
One problem to mention is that a general practitioner is more likely than a specialist (psychiatrist or therapist) to overlook bi-polar disorder and, if he/she prescribes and anti-depressant, a manic episode may be precipitated. They are also not usually as informed as to the variety of antidepressants and what is appropriate with whom.
Beth may I ask a question please? I wondered what EMDR was and followed the link to the official site from here. I don’t understand how that works. How can waving a finger in front of their eyes help? I hope my enquiry doesn’t sound rude! I don’t know how else to put it. Did I misread a step?
Sugarlove, in response to your question, there is much more to EMDR than waving a finger in front of clients’ eyes. In fact, I don’t use that technique at all, but use other forms of what is called “bilateral stimulation” to release disturbing or intrusive memories. Most important, it works with negative and self-defeating beliefs about oneself and/or the world, and substitutes positive ones in their place. I would be happy to talk to you more about this – you can find my contact info on my website: http://www.bethspatterson.com
Why do they point a torch light inside your eyes?
Simple Question as I cannot find the information again. I once read there are some marks in the eyes that doctors cans see.. Have I dreamt this? Is it correct?
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