How do Victorian GPs manage patients with depression?

Background: Depression is common, yet management in general practice is poorly described, especially the relationship between medication use and focussed psychological strategies. Government initiatives are targeting general practitioners' provision of mental health care.

Methods: Postal survey of a random sample of 350 Victorian GPs between November 2001 and April 2002.

Results: Forty-eight percent response rate. Most GPs reported prescribing medication (82%) or providing supportive counselling (87%) to most patients with mild to moderate major depression, while few (<20%) reported frequently using focussed psychological strategies. Training in psychiatry or focussed psychological strategies was associated with use of psychological therapies.

Discussion: Future education programs that support GPs to overcome barriers to using focussed psychological strategies may provide more effective care.