Assessing and treating depression in primary care medicine.

Depression, a common and disabling condition, is often misunderstood by patients, family members, and clinicians. It is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated or inadequately treated. Criteria for major depressive disorder are listed in the DSM-IV-TR, but even less severe depression may merit intervention--especially if chronic.

The effectiveness of St. John's Wort in major depressive disorder: a naturalistic phase 2 follow-up in which nonresponders were provided alternate medication.

Background: A continuation study of an extract of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for depression was performed in follow-up to an acute study that found no significant difference between St. John's wort extract and placebo.