Depressive symptomatology in patients attending a hospital-based general out-patient clinic

The prevalence of depressive symptomatology was estimated in 154 patients attending a general out-patient clinic for the first time. The instrument used was Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). The mean score on the SDS fell within the range of scores obtained by mildly depressed patients in previous studies. Even though many patients obtained scores corresponding to moderate or severe depression, non of the patients was referred to the psychiatric out-patient clinic located in the same hospital. The findings are discussed with respect to their diagnostic significance and the role of the general parctitioner in the management of patients with psychiatric disorder.