The Depression Scale as a screening instrument for a subsequent depressive episode in primary healthcare patients.
BACKGROUND
There are numerous instruments for screening for depression. A feasible screen is good at both recognising and predicting depression.


OBJECTIVE
To study the ability of the Depression Scale and its items to recognise and predict a depressive episode.


METHODS
A sample of patients attending primary care was examined in 1991-992 and again 7 years later. The accuracy of the Depression Scale at baseline and at follow-up was tested against the Short Form of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF) diagnosis of depression at follow-up. The sensitivity and specificity of the Depression Scale and its items were assessed.


RESULTS
Both baseline and follow-up Depression Scale scores were consistent with the CIDI-SF diagnoses. It was possible to find single items efficient at both recognising and predicting depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The Depression Scale is a useful screening instrument for depression, with both diagnostic and predictive validity.
Poutanen
Outi
O
Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Tampere and Psychiatric Clinic, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. outi.poutanen@uta.fi
Koivisto
Anna-Maija
AM
Joukamaa
Matti
M
Mattila
Aino
A
Salokangas
Raimo K R
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity