title: The Depression Scale as a screening instrument for a subsequent depressive episode in primary healthcare patients.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Tampere and Psychiatric Clinic, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. outi.poutanen@uta.fi
authors.forename: Outi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Poutanen
authors.forename: Anna-Maija
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Koivisto
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joukamaa
authors.forename: Aino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mattila
authors.forename: Raimo K R
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Salokangas
mesh_terms: 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