Some Facts:

• The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that every adult be screened for depression annually
• It is estimated that 20% of women and 10% of men will experience depression in their lifetime
• Some studies suggest that 70% of PCP visits are for symptoms caused by psychological illnesses
• Results of Neighborhood’s chart review re: depression screening showed 44% of providers screened for depression in 2002
• The World Health Organization reports that depression is the one of the leading causes of disability in developed countries
• Some studies suggest that 70% of PCP visits are for symptoms caused by psychological illnesses
• 85-90% of patients with depression can be treated effectively

Screening for depression can be done quickly and easily in your office.  Here are two question you can ask:

In the past two weeks, have you felt down, depressed or hopeless?

In the past two weeks, have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?

If a patient answers yes to either or both of these questions, they may have depression and should have a more in depth evaluation for depression.

These two questions can also be:

• Easily placed on chart; 
• On a poster in the office; - English, Portugese, Spanish
• Given to members to complete while waiting to see MD or the nurse can ask while taking blood pressure;
• Easily added to standard visit documentation;
• Used as a first step screen if PCPs plan to treat the depression

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

• 9 questions
• Gives more information about degree of depression
• More useful if PCP is planning to treat
• Can be filled out by patient or in consultation with nurse or MD
• Can be used to evaluate improvement
• Suggests actions based on score

NHRPI and Beacon are committed to helping PCPs screen for depression and assist with referrals if necessary.  If you have a Neighborhood member who needs to be seen urgently, contact Beacon at 1- 800 – 215 –0058 and press 1.