Functioning and Utility for Current Health of Patients With Depression or Chronic Medical Conditions in Managed, Primary Care Practices

Abstract

DEPRESSION is associated with limitations in multiple domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), defined as perceptions of daily functioning and well-being in physical, social, and psychological domains, that equal or exceed those associated with most common chronic medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes.^1-4 Yet, levels of detection and treatment for depression in managed care, primary care settings remain moderate at best.^5-9 One factor that could contribute to low treatment rates is the perception of patients that recovery from depression is a relatively low priority relative to recovery from common medical conditions that are physically limiting. In this article, we compare both HRQOL and utility for current health of primary care patients with depression or chronic medical conditions.