Self-report screening measures for depression in chronic pain patients

Depression is prevalent among chronic pain patients, yet little is known about the ability of various self-report measures to detect this disorder in this population. This study investigated the relationship of several self-report depression scales (Beck Depression Inventory-standard and short forms, MMPI Depression, Depression subtle, and Depression obvious scales, and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale) to clinician DSM-III diagnoses of major depressive disorder in 40 chronic pain patients. Thirty percent of the Ss met criteria for major depression. Sensitivity and specificity values obtained for each scale are presented. The standard and short forms of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale showed good sensitivity and specificity and were comparable in detecting major depression in this sample.