title: Screening for depression in primary care with two verbally asked questions: cross sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the diagnostic accuracy of two verbally asked questions for screening for depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional criterion standard validation study.
  
  
  METHODS
  15 general practices in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  421 consecutive patients not taking psychotropic drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of the two questions compared with the computerised composite international diagnostic interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two screening questions showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97% (95% confidence interval, 83% to 99%) and 67% (62% to 72%), respectively. The likelihood ratio for a positive test was 2.9 (2.5 to 3.4) and the likelihood ratio for a negative test was 0.05 (0.01 to 0.35). Overall, 37% (157/421) of the patients screened positive for depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two verbally asked questions for screening for depression would detect most cases of depression in general practice. The questions have the advantage of brevity. As treatment is more likely when doctors make the diagnosis, these questions may have even greater utility.
authors: Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. b.arroll@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Bruce
authors: B
authors: Arroll
authors: Natalie
authors: N
authors: Khin
authors: Ngaire
authors: N
authors: Kerse
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand