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Screening for Depression in the Medically Ill

The Future of Paper and Pencil Tests

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. J. Meakin
C. J. Meakin*
Affiliation:
Walsgrave Hospital, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX
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Abstract

Paper and pencil screening tests for depression have never become widely used in the medically ill, despite consensus that a sizeable pool of depression exists in this population. The performance of several self-rating scales in these patients is reviewed, demonstrating that satisfactory screening of depression as defined by standard case criteria can be achieved. It is proposed that it is primarily the absence of clear guidelines for treatment to be used in conjunction with these scales which will make clinicians sceptical of their value. Treatment validation of case criteria is required to demonstrate that screening for depression in medical patients is worthwhile.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 160 , Issue 2 , February 1992 , pp. 212 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1992 

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