| [OBJECTIVES:] To investigate the (cost-) effectiveness of minimal counselling compared with minimal counselling plus pharmacological treatment for mild to moderate major depression in general practice. [METHODS:] A randomized controlled trial with two treatment groups will be used in which 280 adult patients suffering from mild or moderate major depression will be included by 45 general practitioners. All patients will receive minimal counselling according to the Dutch guidelines for depression. Half of the patients will be randomized to also receive antidepressant medication. Effects will be measured at 3, 6 and 12 months. All direct and indirect costs will be registered. |
