What is Measurement-based Care? Measurement-based care is extensively used in medical conditions and involves matching treatment interventions with the outcomes for those treatments. For example, a provider would periodically measure fasting blood glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin in an individual with diabetes to make adjustments to the treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle changes. Measurement-based care fosters self-management by making the individual aware if they are on the right treatment plan or if they need to modify it in collaboration with their provider. While measurement-based care has been proven to improve outcomes for medical conditions, mental health, unfortunately, has lagged behind in adopting it as a regular practice. Measurement-based care in depression is an algorithmic application of published, accepted, clinical guidelines and consists of four steps (Morris et al., 2012): Step 1: Screening: Your provider may use one of the several available tools ...
Written by a board-certified psychiatrist and an expert on self-management of depression, Harpreet Duggal, MD, this blog focuses on practical and proven methods of treating depression that go beyond medications and traditional therapy. It discusses elements of healthy lifestyle, positive psychology, relationships, values, strengths, communication, and wellness. No AI-assisted technology has been used in this blog. The content of the blog is not to be construed as treatment advice.