ICD-10 criteria for depression in general practice.
BACKGROUND
The rate of recognition of depressive disorder in general practice is reported to be low. Current classification systems, i.e. ICD-10 and DSM-III-R, and DSM-IV with operational diagnostic criteria, have led to greater agreement concerning the diagnosis of depressive disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and validity of the ICD-10 criteria for depression in general practice in Denmark.


METHODS
After a 1-day training course in the ICD-10 criteria for depression, ten general practitioners, during an 8-week period assessed all patients aged 18 or older for depressive symptoms in accordance with the ICD-10 criteria.


RESULTS
Among a total of 3505 consultations, 116 patients (3.3%) met the criteria for a depressive episode. Of these, 80 (68.8%) accepted to be reinterviewed by a psychiatrist, who confirmed the diagnosis of depressive disorder in 57 of the 80 patients (71.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
The number of 'false negative' cases are unknown in the study.


CONCLUSIONS
The ICD-10 criteria for depression seem to be appropriate and valid in general practice.
Pedersen
S H
SH
Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense C, Odense, Denmark.
Stage
K B
KB
Bertelsen
A
A
Grinsted
P
P
Kragh-Sørensen
P
P
Sørensen
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011361:Professional Competence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity