CRJ-200 Captain reported they received a 'R WSHLD HEAT' message during cruise and noticed the right windshield developed a 'large' crack. The crew ran the appropriate QRH procedures; advised ATC and Dispatch; and decided to return to the departure airport.

Narrative

We were in cruise to our destination when R WSHLD HEAT caution message annunciated. When I looked up I noticed a large crack developing in the right windshield. We exchanged flight controls while I pulled out the QRH and looked at the procedure for 'Arcing; Delaminated; Shattered; or Cracked Window or Windshield.' The QRH directed us to turn off the affected side windshield heat. It then directs us to put the pressure control to manual and increase the cabin pressure at maximum rate to below 6.2 PSI. Then it said to put on the CREW and PAX Oxygen before descending to a lower altitude. I knew that increasing the cabin at the max rate while still at FL330 would rapidly increase the cabin pressure and could cause discomfort for passengers. I examined the cabin pressure at altitude and as we began to descend. The cabin pressure was almost 6.2 already and it began to decrease as we began the descent. At this point in time; I elected not to pressurize the cabin at the maximum rate in order to avoid additional workload and creating new potential errors. I verified that the cabin PSI did go below 6.2 shortly after we began our descent. We initially requested lower from ATC and were told to standby. At this point in time we decided to request priority handling and descend lower immediately. We asked ATC later if they had received our request and were informed they had not. I also contacted Dispatch to discuss diversion alternates; as we would not be able to conduct the approach at our initial destination due to the forecasted icing conditions. Dispatch advised us to divert back to ZZZ.This event was caused by a cracked windshield.There should be a QRH procedure for cracks in the windshield that do not cause pressurization issues. Cracked windshields are more than likely an unavoidable consequence of operating the CRJ series.