[Combatting depression using the collaborative care model]

Chronic and prevalent conditions such as depression need a different, more integrated approach than acute disorders. The treatment of chronic disorders can be best organized within a chronic care model, focusing on self-management by the patient and continuous monitoring of symptoms. The collaborative care model is a promising treatment model for depression. The added value of this model lies in a care manager supporting the general practitioner, the structured monitoring of symptoms and easy access to a consultant psychiatrist. In the Dutch situation, the collaborative care model may be a reinforcement of the primary care treatment for depression while in specialized mental health care, this model may reinforce collaboration with primary care colleagues