Case-Finding Instruments for Depression: Two Questions Are as Good as Many

Case-Finding Instruments for Depression: Two Questions Are as Good as Many

1997 | Mary A. Whooley, MD, Andrew L. Avins, MD, MPH, Jeanne Miranda, PhD, Warren S. Brownner, MD, MPH
A two-question case-finding instrument for depression was compared with six other validated instruments. The two-question instrument, which asks about depressed mood and anhedonia, had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 57%. It had similar test characteristics to other instruments and was less time-consuming. The study found that 18% of participants had depression, with 78% of those having a depressive episode in the past month. The two-question instrument had a high sensitivity but lower specificity, leading to a higher number of false positives. However, it was more efficient than other instruments. The study concluded that the two-question instrument is a useful tool for detecting depression in primary care settings. It is simple, quick, and effective, though it may require follow-up interviews for confirmation. The study also noted that the two-question instrument may not be as effective in populations with lower depression prevalence. Overall, the two-question instrument is a viable option for routine use in primary care, though further research is needed to determine its optimal application.A two-question case-finding instrument for depression was compared with six other validated instruments. The two-question instrument, which asks about depressed mood and anhedonia, had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 57%. It had similar test characteristics to other instruments and was less time-consuming. The study found that 18% of participants had depression, with 78% of those having a depressive episode in the past month. The two-question instrument had a high sensitivity but lower specificity, leading to a higher number of false positives. However, it was more efficient than other instruments. The study concluded that the two-question instrument is a useful tool for detecting depression in primary care settings. It is simple, quick, and effective, though it may require follow-up interviews for confirmation. The study also noted that the two-question instrument may not be as effective in populations with lower depression prevalence. Overall, the two-question instrument is a viable option for routine use in primary care, though further research is needed to determine its optimal application.
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