Global Perspectives on Detecting and Managing Depression and Anxiety in Primary Care

Authored by Sherina Mohd Sidik, this book offers practical insights into the detection and management of depression and anxiety in primary care settings, with a focus on approaches from different countries. It delves into the global prevalence, risk factors, and health burdens associated with these conditions, including the impact of COVID-19.

The book features contributions from authors representing various world regions, including Africa, Asia Pacific, East Mediterranean, Europe, IberoAmericana-CIMF, North America, and South Asia. Each chapter provides an in-depth look at how depression and anxiety are detected and managed in primary care settings across these regions, including the screening tools used, their adoption rates, and current policies.

While the medical model is presented, the book also explores an alternative viewpoint that emphasizes supporting individuals in their life journey rather than defining their struggles as disorders or diseases requiring treatment. This approach highlights the importance of addressing social challenges that contribute to feelings of low mood or anxiety.

Key Features:

• Explores the instruments used for detecting depression and anxiety in primary care across various countries, and why and how these instruments are being used.
• Describes the pharmaceutical and non-drug interventions for treating depression and anxiety in primary care, comparing similarities and differences in detection and management among different countries.
• Includes in-depth regional examples of how screening tools are used in practice and how policies can be established in the management of depression and anxiety in primary care.
• Concludes with lessons learned from various countries and from different stakeholders, providing clear advice on what to do and, importantly, what not to do.

This book serves as a valuable practical aid for family medicine practitioners and the wider primary and community care teams. It is also a useful reference for those involved in policy setting at regional and national levels, including ministries of health.