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ICD-10 criteria for depression in general practice
S H Pedersen1, K B Stage, A Bertelsen
1Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense C, Odense, Denmark.
Background:
The rate of recognition of depressive disorder in general practice is reported to be low. Current classification systems, i.e. ICD-10 and DSM-III-R, and DSM-IV with operational diagnostic criteria, have led to greater agreement concerning the diagnosis of depressive disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and validity of the ICD-10 criteria for depression in general practice in Denmark.
Methods:
After a 1-day training course in the ICD-10 criteria for depression, ten general practitioners, during an 8-week period assessed all patients aged 18 or older for depressive symptoms in accordance with the ICD-10 criteria.
Results:
Among a total of 3505 consultations, 116 patients (3.3%) met the criteria for a depressive episode. Of these, 80 (68.8%) accepted to be reinterviewed by a psychiatrist, who confirmed the diagnosis of depressive disorder in 57 of the 80 patients (71.3%).
Limitations:
The number of 'false negative' cases are unknown in the study.
Conclusion:
The ICD-10 criteria for depression seem to be appropriate and valid in general practice.