Table 1 Criteria for systematic treatment indication and description of responsible care providers for each step
Severity of the depressive disorder | Step in the SCM | Intervention | Responsible care provider |
|---|---|---|---|
Mild depressive disorder, duration: up to two weeks | 1 | Watchful waiting (active monitoring) for 2 weeks | GP |
Mild depressive disorder, duration: over two weeks | 2.a or 2.b | Bibliotherapy or Internet-based self-help program | GP |
Mild to moderate depressive disorder, duration: over two weeks | 2 plus | Telephone-based psychotherapy | Psychotherapist |
Moderate depressive disorder | 3.a or 3.b | Psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy | Psychotherapist or psychiatrist/GP |
Severe depressive disorder without/ with suicidality | 4 | Combination therapy: psycho- and pharmacotherapy (inpatient or outpatient setting) | Psychotherapist and psychiatrist; clinic |