Prevention of major depression in primary care patients with minor depression: a randomized clinical trial of a minimal intervention

Patients with minor depression are at an increased risk of developing a major depression. In the proposed study we will examine whether a minimal intervention for primary care patients with minor depression can prevent the incidence of new cases of major depression. 8000 primary care patients will be screened. Those with a minor depression are randomly assigned to the treatment or the control group. The patients in the experimental group receive a book for self-training in skills to reduce mood problems. They have five short telephone contacts with a prevention worker. The patients in the control group are not offered the intervention. It is expected that after two years the incidence of new major depressions is reduced in the experimental group, compared to the control group.