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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.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|May 18, 2001
Summary
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) criteria for depression are effective for general practice. This study found the criteria valid and applicable in Danish general practice settings.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Psychiatry
- Diagnostic Criteria
Background:
- Recognition of depressive disorder in general practice is historically low.
- Current diagnostic systems like ICD-10 aim to improve diagnostic agreement.
- Previous studies highlight challenges in diagnosing depression in primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the applicability and validity of the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for depression.
- To assess the utility of ICD-10 criteria in Danish general practice.
- To determine if ICD-10 criteria can reliably identify depressive episodes in primary care.
Main Methods:
- Ten general practitioners received training on ICD-10 depression criteria.
- A total of 3505 patient consultations were assessed over 8 weeks.
- Patients aged 18+ were screened for depressive symptoms using ICD-10 criteria.
Main Results:
- 116 patients (3.3%) met the ICD-10 criteria for a depressive episode.
- Psychiatric re-evaluation confirmed the diagnosis in 71.3% (57/80) of initially diagnosed patients.
- The study identified a potential for 'false negative' cases, though the exact number is unknown.
Conclusions:
- The ICD-10 criteria for depression demonstrate appropriateness and validity in general practice.
- The findings suggest ICD-10 criteria can be a useful tool for diagnosing depression in primary care.
- Further research may be needed to address the limitations regarding 'false negative' diagnoses.