U.S. Army photo by SSG Daniel Yarnall

On behalf of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, I am excited to announce the availability of the Major Depressive Disorder Toolkit, our newest clinical provider tool developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Major depressive disorder, often referred to as depression, is a common illness that can affect anyone. Depression is not just “feeling blue”. If you’ve been feeling “down” for more than a few weeks or are having difficulty functioning in daily life, you may be suffering from a common, yet serious medical illness known as clinical depression. Know the symptoms.

The toolkit, a compilation of paper-based tools, brochures, cards and booklets, is designed to help primary care providers effectively implement the major depressive disorder clinical practice guideline, which contains evidence-based, clinical recommendations on screening, diagnosis, patient self-management, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and monitoring intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with the disorder.

Helping providers implement the clinical practice guideline ensures our service members, veterans, and reserve component members receive the highest quality, best-practice treatment with demonstrated efficacy for major depressive disorder. The materials included in the toolkit provide clear, comprehensive descriptions of critical decision points that help primary care providers:

• Screen for major depressive disorder
• Ensure an accurate diagnosis
• Manage symptoms
• Refer patients to a mental health specialist

We are excited to collaborate with MEDCOM and VA on the release and dissemination of the MDD CPG and associated toolkit.

To download or order hard-copies of the toolkit and full-length clinical practice guideline please visit MEDCOM’s website: www.qmo.amedd.army.mil/depress/depress.htm and follow instructions below.

• Toolkit: Select shopping cart tab; click start shopping button; and select major depressive disorder from drop-down menu at the top of the page
• Guideline: On the left-hand menu, select DoD/VA Guideline

You may also download the DoD/VA guideline from the VA’s website here.