Citation

Zamorano Bayarri E, Casquero Ruiz R. Semergen 2007; 33(6): 332-336.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S1138-3593(07)73909-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The most important factor to detect depression is having a high index of suspicion. Thus, the Primary Health Care physician should screen for depression in the high risk groups, especially in patients with a background of depression, chronic painful and invalidating physical diseases, or other mental health problems such as dementia. Screening for depression should include the use of at least two questions on the mood state and interest, such as: "during the last two weeks, have you often felt down or been depressed? or have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?". If the answer is yes, a more extensive clinical interview should be done. Evaluation of depression includes making a detailed history of the symptoms that present and determine seriousness and duration of the depressive episode, making an examination of the mental state, ruling out the existence of psychotic symptoms and the evaluation of risk of suicide. A physical examination should also be made to exclude medical or surgical disease. Complementary examination may be indicated to make a differential diagnosis with medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Language: es

Keywords

Evaluation; Depression; Screening; Diagnosis; Clinical practice