A Survey of Knowledge and Attitude of Non-Psychiatrists (Medical Specialists) Treating Major Depression

Abstract

Background: Non-diagnosed depression might postpone the physical healing of patients and negatively affects prognosis. The rate of major depressive disorder among patients of general practitioners in the United States reaches 10 percent and among patients admitted to the inner wards reaches 15 percent. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study on physician of two hospitals was performed. A questioner was designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of non-psychiatrist physicians towards depression treatment. Results: Non-Physiatrist physicians’ score in knowledge and attitude was 6.7 and 103.75, respectively. Gender and the area of specialization of the physicians had no significant effect on their knowledge, attitude and medical treatment methods applied by them. Conclusions: The study highlights a low level of knowledge of physicians about depression. Further studies are paramount to assess the efficacy of interventions applied to improve current situation.