Primary care physicians can identify parents in their practice struggling with depressive symptoms and depressive disorders by using the screening instrument described in this article and by keeping in mind the risk factors identified by the Institute of Medicine.39 During the clinic visit, primary care physicians should observe the parent's posture, demeanor, voice, and tone; note any previous depression in the parent (from the depression screen) and
inquire about a family history of depression; and ask
about the parent's
mood, feelings, and relationships.44 It is extremely important that primary care physicians show that they care
about the depressed parent and the child during the clinical encounter.