Effects of training program on recognition and management of depression and suicide risk evaluation for Slovenian primary-care physicians: follow-up study

To implement and evaluate an educational program for primary care physicians on recognition and treatment of depression and suicide prevention. The study was conducted in 3 Slovenian neighboring regions (Celje, Ravne na Koroskem, and Podravska) with similar suicide rates and other health indicators. All primary care physicians from Celje (N=155) and Ravne na Koroskem (N=35) were invited to participate in the educational program on depression treatment and suicide risk recognition. From January to March 2003, approximately half of them (82 out of 190; educational group) attended the program, whereas the other half (108 out of 190; control group 1) and physicians from the Podravska region (N=164; control group 2) did not attend the program. The prescription rates of antidepressants and anxiolytics before and after the intervention were compared between the studied regions. Also, suicide rates three-years before and after the intervention were compared. From 2002 to 2003, there was a 2.33-fold increase in the rate of antidepressant prescriptions in the educational group (P