Depression

According to the World Health Organization in 2018, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Due to its early adult onset, its effect on lifestyle behaviors may contribute to the onset or worsening of medical illnesses.

The evidence is compelling that individuals with depression are less well off than individuals without depression, in terms of overall health and functioning. These costs to society in healthcare expenditures and productivity require structured programming aimed at identification, education, and intervention to reduce the incidence of depression and its associated conditions.

For geriatric depression resources, please visit our clinical tools page.

Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment

• The Nuts and Bolts of Depression in the Primary Care Setting

Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®)¹ Tip Sheets

• Antidepressant Medication Management

Member Materials

• Medications to Treat Depression
• Counseling to Treat Depression
• Depression: What Is It?
• Depression Screening Questionnaire
• Treating Depression

Screening Tools

• Depression Screening Program Description
• PHQ-2 Questions (ENGLISH)
• PHQ-2 Questions (SPANISH)
• PHQ-9 Questions (ENGLISH)
• PHQ-9 Questions (SPANISH)
  • Click here to access the PHQ-9 in additional languages.

¹ HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).