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Screening for depression: use of patient questionnaires
M G Kavan1, T M Pace, J G Ponterotto
1Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
American Family Physician
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Depression is often underdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment and severe outcomes like suicide. Screening instruments can improve depression recognition and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that is frequently underdiagnosed.
- Underdiagnosis leads to delayed or inadequate treatment, increasing risks of severe consequences, including suicide.
- Screening instruments offer a potential solution to identify unrecognized depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the issue of underdiagnosed depression.
- To discuss the role and benefits of screening instruments in identifying depression.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on depression screening.
- Analysis of the benefits and risks associated with depression screening tools.
- Discussion of clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Depression screening can increase the recognition of depression in clinical settings.
- Implementing screening can lead to adjustments in patient treatment plans.
- Early identification through screening is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Despite potential risks, depression screening offers significant benefits.
- Screening instruments are valuable tools for addressing the underdiagnosis of depression.
- Widespread adoption of screening can improve the management and outcomes for patients with depression.