Managing Depression and Anxiety in the Community: An Integrated Treatment Approach

Mental Health & Addictions, Primary Care / Family Medicine

In Canada, one in five adults will suffer a mental disorder in their lives: anxiety disorders and depression are the most common. Approximately 10% of Canadian adults will have a depressive disorder. As individuals with depression and anxiety often seek primary care services at higher rates than other illnesses, this topic is a high priority for family physicians and their teams. A more holistic approach to mental health management can be achieved by adopting a wellness model , including complementary use of alternative and integrative therapies which consider a review of the patient's mind, body, and social connections. The goal of this 2-part learning workshop was to help primary care practitioners incorporate an individualized wellness model of depression/anxiety management, where attention to the patient's subjective experience and unique relational dynamics within the doctor-patient setting is considered in addition to objective brain processes and symptomatic presentation. 

Led by Dr Yakov Shapiro, a clinical professor of psychiatry, at the U of A Integrated Psychotherapy/Psychopharmacology Service (IPPS), and in collaboration with the Edmonton Southside PCN, relevant studies and case vignettes were used to illustrate the importance of shifting from the current disease-focused evidence-based treatments model to wellness-focused evidence-based principles of care, which provide the foundation for individualized mental health care provision in primary practice. Applications to both psychopharmacological and supportive therapy management were reviewed. The second session featured a panel with family physician Dr. Sheela Duia, mental health clinical educator Megan Gauchier, and exercise specialist Rhiannon Jacek.