'You're depressed'; 'No I'm not': GPs' and patients' different models of depression

Questionnaires concerning models of depression were completed by 90 general practitioners (GPs) and 681 patients. GPs and patients held similar beliefs about the role of mood-related symptoms, psychological causes, and non-medical treatments. However, the GPs reported greater support for somatic symptoms, medical causes, and medical treatments. Therefore, GPs and patients report different models of depression, with GPs favouring a more medical perspective. In addition, the results illustrated a role for personal experience of depression. The implications for diagnosis, adherence, and a 'you are depressed; no I'm nor' style of interaction are discussed.