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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients: a thematic analysis

Authors: Melinda N Stanners, Christopher A Barton, Sepehr Shakib, Helen R Winefield

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

We explored experiences of depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients referred to a metropolitan multidisciplinary outpatient clinic to identify commonalities across this patient group.

Methods

Patients with two or more chronic conditions and a diagnosis of depression participated in semi-structured interviews that were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcriptions.

Results

Multimorbid patients attributed depressive symptoms to the loss of ‘normal’ roles and functionality and struggled to reconcile the depression diagnosis with their sense of identity. Beliefs about themselves and depression affected their receptivity to diagnosis and intervention strategies. These included prescribed interventions, such as psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and patient-developed strategies.

Conclusions

Functional and social role losses present a clear context in which GPs should raise the subject of mood, with the situational attribution of depression suggesting that psychotherapy, which is rarely offered, should be prioritised in these circumstances.
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Metadata
Title
Depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients: a thematic analysis
Authors
Melinda N Stanners
Christopher A Barton
Sepehr Shakib
Helen R Winefield
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-15-124

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