[A screening test for depression in general practice. The COOP/WONCA chart].
Depressed patients in general practice may be difficult to identify. Questionnaires may be used for screening but some of the existing instruments are difficult to use and have only to a limited degree been introduced in general practice. In this study 798 patients' answers to the COOP/WONCA chart "Feelings" were compared to GPs' diagnosis according to ICD-10 criteria for depressive single episode (F32). At cut-off2/3 (slight/moderate problems) the chart had a sensitivity of 89% (76-100%) and specificity of 75% (72-78%). The predictive value of a positive test was not higher than 33% for any cut-off point and the predictive value of a negative test never less than 98%. A two-phased diagnostic strategy with the COOP/WONCA chart as step one is suggested as a possible and relatively simple way to optimize recognition of depressive patients in general practice.
Pedersen
J K
JK
Odense Universitet, Forskningsenheden og Fagomradet for Almen Medicin.
Damsbo
N
N
Kragstrup
J
J
D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004644:Emotions; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards; D012042:Registries; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity