Common Mental Disorders Depression - New Zealand Doctor

In the opinion of the GDT, suspected bipolar disorder warrants urgent referral
to secondary care mental health services.
Urgent referral to secondary care
Young people/rangatahi/tamariki with severe depression should be assessed by
secondary care mental health services. 66 In the opinion of the GDT, the following
factors are likely to indicate severe depression and the need for such referral:
66
• persistent symptoms
211-213
• profound hopelessness
251
• other serious mental or substance use disorders
66
• significant functional impairment (unable to do most daily activities).
It is good practice to be more proactive about consultation/referral to secondary care
mental health services if the following factors apply:
66
• past episodes of depression
252
• family history of psychiatric disorder
253
• lack of caring family relationships
253,254
• lack of other support services.
3.9 From assessment to management
The following chapter of this guideline addresses how to manage depression in a
young person/rangatahi/tamariki in the primary care setting. This guideline does not
address in detail the management of other common mental disorders. For information
resources on common mental disorders other than depression, see Appendix E:
Management of Common Mental Disorders other than Depression in Young People.
40
Identification of Common Mental Disorders and Management of Depression in Primary Care