Screening for depression in primary care: updated recommendations from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
MacMillan H L, Patterson C J S, Wathen C N, with the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
Record ID 32005000088
English
Authors' objectives:
Three main issues were examined in this review in relation to depression among primary care populations: 1) the accuracy of screening instruments; 2) the effectiveness of treatment; 3) the overarching question on which the review was based - whether screening for depression in primary care settings affects recognition, treatment, and clinical outcomes of depressed patients.
Authors' recommendations:
The CTFPHC concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend screening adults for depression in primary care settings since screening improves health outcomes when linked to effective follow-up and treatment.
The CTFPHC concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening adults for depression in primary care settings where effective follow-up and treatment are not available.
The CTFPHC concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for depression among children or adolescents in primary settings. In the studies reviewed, effective follow-up and treatment referred to screening programs that were integrated with both feedback to the clinician regarding depression status, as well as a system for managing treatment (antidepressant medications and psychotherapeutic interventions). Trials that included access to case management or mental health care as part of the system of care were particularly effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Since integrated screening and feedback/treatment systems are not the norm in Canadian primary care practice clinicians are encouraged to advocate for these.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.ctfphc.org/Full_Text/CTF_Depression_TR_2004_final.pdf
Year Published:
2004
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Depression
- Mass Screening
- Primary Health Care
Contact
Organisation Name:
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
Contact Address:
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, 100 Collip Circle, Suite 117, London, ON, N6G 4X8, Canada. Tel: 519-858-5181; Fax: 519-858-5112
Contact Name:
ctf@ctfphc.org
Contact Email:
ctf@ctfphc.org
Copyright:
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.