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QUESTION: Is screening for depression in adults effective in increasing diagnosis and treatment rates and improving clinical outcomes?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966–2001); the Cochrane database on depression, neurosis, and anxiety disorders; hand searching bibliographies of relevant studies; and contacting experts in the field.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effects of depression screening on diagnosis, treatment, or clinical outcomes in adults in primary care settings.
Data extraction
Data were extracted on the number of patients, type of intervention, screening instrument, method of administration of the instrument, feedback of screening results to the provider, length of follow up, study quality, and outcomes. Outcomes were diagnosis and treatment rates and rates of persistent depression.
Main results
14 trials (7739 patients) met the inclusion criteria. 8 trials evaluated screening and feedback …
Footnotes
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Source of funding: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
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For correspondence: Dr M P Pignone, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Email pignone{at}med.unc.edu.