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Therapeutics
Review: screening for depression reduces persistent depression

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.7.6.178

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    (2002) Ann Intern Med 136, 765; Pignone MP, Gaynes BN, Rushton JL, et al.. Screening for depression in adults: a summary of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.. May 21;. :. –76..
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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 …

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    Footnotes

    • Source of funding: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

    • For correspondence: Dr M P Pignone, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Email pignone{at}med.unc.edu.