Depression--what should the doctor ask?
BACKGROUND
There are barriers to doctors detecting depression in general practice. We wondered what questions patients thought the doctor should ask to explore it appropriately.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-six teacher trainees, teachers, and students in the community, most of whom had experienced depression, were studied qualitatively in interviews and focus groups. They were asked to suggest what questions they would find helpful from doctors to elicit their experience of depression. Transcripts were grouped by gender and content analysed.


RESULTS
Subjects suggested starting with open questions that act as signals for moving into emotional areas followed by specific questions about specific somatic expressions of depression. Men preferred questions about shorter fuse and anger toward others, while women were happy with questions about increased crying.


CONCLUSIONS
If confirmed in other sectors of the community, these data may allow doctors to increase patients' comfort with their exploration of possible emotional problems such as depression.
Wilhelm
Kay
K
School of Psychiatry and Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales. kwillhelm@stvincents.com.au
Brownhill
Suzanne
S
Harris
Jessica
J
Harris
Peter
P
D001315:Australia; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012647:Self-Assessment