Depression is a public health problem. WHO estimate that in 2020 this one would be the first cause of mortality in the world. Aditionally, this disorder generate impaired ability to continue professional work and/or daily life activities, impaired social life and previous psychiatric problems were significantly correlated with impaired physical function, fatigue and pain.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression in patients seen at the Clínica Chicamocha in Bucaramanga/Colombia, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. In addition, information about the patients' diseases and treatment was obtained. The prevalence of depression among 82 evaluable patients was 41.5% according to BDI-II (19.5% moderate depression; 14.6% minor depression and 7.3% severe depression). So, using HADS the depression prevalence was 11%. Another hand, somatic was more prevalent than cognitive and affective sympthoms in simple. There was statistical difference in depression by gender, so women obtain more high store than man. Education level and socio-economical status were a inverse relation with depression. So, people with university studies and high socio-economical level obtained minor scores in BDI-II and HADS. Hospitalization upper 7 days was correlated with high score in depression. And, finally, social support is a protector factor in depression in medical setting.

Careful attention should be paid to patients in primary care medical practice in order to detect depression sympthoms because this situation increase hospitalary stay, cost and medical complications and decrese improving process and rehabilitation.