[The validity of a two-step-screening procedure for depression]

Several studies reported that general practitioners often do not recognize depressive disorders among their patients. Routine screening is a time-consuming procedure which might be improved by means of a two-step procedure. Using a very brief screening instrument in a first step reduces the number of patients needing a longer conventional screening in a second step. Only screening positives after this second step will be examined by the general practitioner (GP).

Based upon validity scores from published studies, the expected validity of such a two-step procedure is being investigated.

This two-step screening procedure decreases the overall number of screening positives who have to be examined for the presence of depression by the GP. While the combined sensitivity slightly decreases, the combined specificity increases.

The proposed method allows for a practicable routine screening for depression by the GP. The procedure might further be improved through the development of instruments optimized for the first and the second step.