Prevention of major depressive episodes: Early intervention with family-based stress management

A clinical approach that combines targeted biomedical and psychosocial strategies has been employed in the management of major depressive episodes. A mental health service that is entirely integrated within primary health care teams has enabled episodes of depression to be recognised at an early stage and to receive intensive treatment with minimal delays. Preliminary incidence and prevalence data support the feasibility of this approach, and strongly suggest that the severity of depressive episodes may be reduced. The benefits to sufferers, carers and the service providers are likely to prove substantial. Controlled studies to validate these promising findings are advocated.