Psychologic aspects of depression.

In managing depressed patients, the physician deals with impairment of moods, capacity to think and ability to function. Along with psychopharmacologic approaches, there is an initial necessity to provide a hopeful and consistent relationship. The patient uses physical symptoms and as long as these symptoms attract attention, an effective psychotherapeutic relationship is avoided. An important therapeutic approach is to challenge distorted thought processes such as exaggerated self-deprecation and delusional convictions or guilt. Too often, as symptoms recede, treatment ends.