Eligibility criteria
depressive syndrome
Inclusion criteria for GP practices were: (a) up to one GP/practice participating at any time; located within one of the study’s South East London areas; and (b) using EMIS electronic health record software. Inclusion criteria for patients in addition to being registered at one of the participating practices were: (a) age ≥18, (b) at least moderately severe major depressive syndrome on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; a score of ≥15),Exclusion criteria for patients were: (a) inability to consent to the study, (b) unstable medical condition (assessed based on in-depth screening visit), (c) currently being treated by mental health specialist, (d) high suicide risk (assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview suicidality screen),