[What was new in ambulatory general internal medicine in 2011?]. / Nouveautés 2011 en médecine interne générale ambulatoire.

This review of articles published in 2011 covers a large spectrum of topics that are of interest for the practice of general internal medicine and of primary care. Authors discuss public health issues, such as sleep disorders and their relationship with subsequent weight disorders, and the benefits of commercial weight reduction programs. Clinical topics, such as the management of victims of sexual violence and screening strategies for lung cancer, streptococcal pharyngitis, functional bowel disorders and hypertension in ambulatory settings are also reviewed. Besides, authors cover therapeutic issues, such as the treatment of hand arthritis with chondroitin sulfate and the management of plantar warts with salicylic acids and cryotherapy.

[Depressive disorder across the lifespan in primary care: screening, diagnostic and follow-up tools]. / Trouble dépressif à travers les âges en MPR: outils de dépistage, de diagnostic et de suivi.

Recognizing and treating depression is particularly important for primary care physicians since the prevalence of this disease reaches about 10% in this setting. Screening tools are likely to improve patients' health only if followed by a comprehensive therapy. The 3 Aroll's questions for adults, the geriatric depression scale for the elderly and the Edinburgh depression scale for postpartum women are the most useful and validated screening tools. Data are insufficient to recommend screening in children and teenagers. A positive screening must be confirmed by DSM-IV or ICM-10 criteria. Initial evaluation and follow-up are facilitated by Beck's and PHQ9 scales, the most validated ones for primary care physicians. Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment by a specialist is required for severe depression.