OBJECTIVES: Depression is a leading cause of morbidity and disability worldwide. The population in developing countries is at greater risk. Inadequate trained mental health staff, and unfortunately, low case detection has been associated with increased morbidity among subjects presenting to primary care. In order to compound this public health problem, general practitioners (GPs) may play a major role to fill this treatment gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 220 GPs was undertaken in Chandigarh City, India. The 20-item Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ) was used to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice towards depression and its management in primary care settings. RESULTS: GPs had a limited knowledge of depression, with the majority (77.8%) expressing difficulty working with depressed patients. They exhibited moderately stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals with depression. GPs were conservative in their use of antidepressants and believed that psychotherapeutic approaches were useful. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a need for further education of general practitioners on the nature, diagnosis and management of depressive disorders.