Managing Depression in Primary Care - Part 2

Participants• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs • Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director and Director of Mental Health Programme, Irish College of GPs • Dr John Maher - Host SummaryThis is part 2 of our conversation on Managing Depression in Primary Care with Dr Aoife O’Sullivan and Dr Brian Osborne, based on their 2023 Quick Reference Guide (QRG) titled “Managing Depression in Primary Care. if you haven’t had a chance to listen to part 1 yet, please start there – it’s available now in the show feed. We wrapped up part one with a discussion of the first link in the “Jump To” box on the front page of the QRG, which was Talk Therapy Options. Today, we cover the remaining 3 quick links on the front page:· Medication Considerations;· Switching medications;· Referral to secondary care. We wrap up today with a discussion around potential audit and practice improvement initiatives.You may find it useful to have the QRG to hand as you listen. Links· Irish College of GPs: Mental Health Clinical Hub· Managing Depression in Primary Care: Quick Reference Guide (Irish College of GPs, June 2023) Assessment Tools (MDCalc)· Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)· Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)· Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Selected services for accessing free/low cost psychotherapy:· Jigsaw (Free support for 12-25yo)· Pieta· Turn2Me· MyMind (up to 6 free sessions of CBT for men over 18yo - as of September 2025)· Textabout.ie (Free text 50808) See page 7-8 of the Depression QRG for links to numerous additional non-pharmacological services.DisclaimerThe information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-PodcastEmail: [e-mail]