The role of rating scales in the identification and management of the depressed patient in the primary care setting.

The author conducted a review of the literature for reported prevalence of depression in primary care settings. Studies that provided data on both standardized interview and self-ratings were included. Reported prevalences from six studies ranged from 6% to 17%. Based on the results of 904 questionnaires administered at continuing medical education meetings held in 11 cities across the United States, primary care physicians estimated that 14% of their patients have a component of depression. To evaluate the usefulness of patient self-rating depression scales in the family practice setting, studies were reviewed where the patients' physicians were either notified or not notified of the results of a screening in which the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used. In six published studies, results showed that notified physicians were able to increase their ability to recognize depression by 2.5-fold to 25-fold.