National Trends in the Outpatient Treatment of Depression.

Compares trends in outpatient treatment of depressive disorders in the United States in 1987 and 1997. Design, setting, and participants; Main outcome measures; Results; Conclusion there was in increase in outpatient treatment with psychotropic medications, but fewer outpatient visits and less use of psychotherapy; Indication that these changes coincided with the introduction of better-tolerated antidepressants, the expansion of third-party payment, and the development of rapid diagnostic procedures.