[Depressive disorder across the lifespan in primary care: screening, diagnostic and follow-up tools]

Recognizing and treating depression is particularly important for primary care physicians since the prevalence of this disease reaches about 10% in this setting. Screening tools are likely to improve patients' health only if followed by a comprehensive therapy. The 3 Aroll's questions for adults, the geriatric depression scale for the elderly and the Edinburgh depression scale for postpartum women are the most useful and validated screening tools. Data are insufficient to recommend screening in children and teenagers. A positive screening must be confirmed by DSM-IV or ICM-10 criteria. Initial evaluation and follow-up are facilitated by Beck's and PHQ9 scales, the most validated ones for primary care physicians. Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment by a specialist is required for severe depression.