Current depression guidelines are reviewed; these recommend the continuation of antidepressants at the dose that achieved response for at least a further six months, depending on patient circumstances and previous history. The dose can then be reduced gradually: the more slowly the reduction, the less likely withdrawal effects will be. If severe withdrawal symptoms occur, changing to fluoxetine, which has a long half-life, and decreasing this slowly is best. If the patient is at heightened risk of relapse, or if relapse would have serious consequences, the antidepressant should be continued. The duration of treatment depends both on the life situation and on the level of relapse risk, both of which need careful management. Learning opportunities for the management of depression need to be multi-professional and case-based. Consultation-liaison can be one way to achieve this when, for example, a local mental health professional can give case-based advice to the primary care team. However, the evidence base for changing GP behaviour is weak, even when GPs are involved in adapting and extending depression guidelines for local use.