Depression--what should the doctor ask?

There are barriers to doctors detecting depression in general practice. We wondered what questions patients thought the doctor should ask to explore it appropriately.

One hundred and thirty-six teacher trainees, teachers, and students in the community, most of whom had experienced depression, were studied qualitatively in interviews and focus groups. They were asked to suggest what questions they would find helpful from doctors to elicit their experience of depression. Transcripts were grouped by gender and content analysed.

Subjects suggested starting with open questions that act as signals for moving into emotional areas followed by specific questions about specific somatic expressions of depression. Men preferred questions about shorter fuse and anger toward others, while women were happy with questions about increased crying.

If confirmed in other sectors of the community, these data may allow doctors to increase patients' comfort with their exploration of possible emotional problems such as depression.