This project organizes training sessions for general practitioners (GPs) to strengthen their knowledge, attitude, and confidence in the care of patients with depression.

The training aims to enhance GPs' confidence and foster a positive attitude towards the diagnosis and treatment of patients with depression. Additionally, it focuses on promoting responsible prescribing of antidepressants, emphasizing a non-pharmacological approach. Specifically, the goal is to encourage careful initiation of antidepressants and timely discontinuation after the recommended treatment period to avoid unnecessary long-term use.

The LOK sessions are delivered by expert trainers, including psychologistsand GPs. Beforehand, the trainers participate in a two-session Train-the-Trainer program provided by the core team of Psychofarmaca@UGent.

The training sessions are interactive and practice-oriented. During the two-hour LOK sessions, participants discuss practical experiences and case studies, guided by a GP and a psychologist. They use tools such as the Belgian Depression Guideline, the website www.gebruikvanpsychofarmaca-gids.be, and other resources. These tools are tailored to the specific needs of participants, identified through a questionnaire before the session. The impact of the training on knowledge, attitude, and confidence is assessed through questionnaires conducted both immediately after the sessions and three to six months later.

The project is implemented in collaboration with the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), responsible for the French-language sessions. It has a duration of 18 months and includes the organization of 20 training sessions.