Diagnosis Of Depression In Adults Research Articles

Prevalence of self-reported depression in Brazil: 2013 National Health Survey results.

To describe the prevalence of self-reported previous medical diagnosis of depression in the adult (18 years or older), Brazilian population according to sociodemographic factors. Data from the 2013 National Health Survey, a population-based survey, were used. The self-reported previous medical diagnosis of depression, received at some point during the patient's life, was investigated. Prevalence and their respective confidence intervals of 95% (CI 95%) were calculated, stratified by gender, age group, education level, race/skin color, for Brazil, place of residence, major regions, federative units and capitals. The prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of depression in adults in Brazili was of 7.6% (95%CI 7.2 - 8.1), being higher in women (10.9%; 95%CI 10.3 - 11.6) and among people between 60 and 64 years old (11.1%; 95%CI 9.1 - 13.1). Furthermore, the highest prevalence was among individuals with no formal education or those with incomplete primary education 8.6% (95%CI 7.9 - 9.3), for those with complete tertiary education 8.7% (95%CI 7.5 - 9,9); and for those who declared themselves as white (9.0%; 95%CI 8.3 - 9.6). For place of residence, the self-report was higher in individuals living in urban areas (8.0%; 95%CI 7.5 - 8.4) and in the South (12.6%; 95%CI 11.2 - 13.9). The analysis shows the importance of understanding the access to the diagnosis of depression in Brazil. It is necessary to improve access to quality health services throughout the country to include the underprivileged population. Reducing disparities in access to health services is crucial to ensuring that social rights are universal and equal.

Checklists for general practitioner diagnosis of depression in adults with intellectual disability

In Australia, diagnosis and management of depression in adults with intellectual disability (ID) often occurs within the primary care setting. Few tools are available to assist general practitioners (GPs) in the diagnostic process. The study aim was to assess properties of carer and GP checklists developed to address this problem. Participants were 49 adults with ID and their paid carers (support workers), and GPs for 27 adults. Data from carer and GP checklists were gathered, in addition to carer completed Developmental Behaviour Checklist-Adults (DBC-A). Adults with ID also received a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Both checklists demonstrated good internal consistency (KRS-20 = 0.90). A factor analysis of the carer checklist indicated a single factor on which three section totals had loadings of greater than 0.722 (depressed mood, loss of interest, and social interaction and communication). This factor was interpreted to be depression. The GP checklist data were insufficient for factor analysis, but section totals were moderately correlated with most corresponding carer checklist section totals. Carer section totals related to depression also correlated highly with the DBC-A Depression sub-scale, demonstrating good concurrent validity. Contrasting results were obtained for the GP checklist. Most (n = 42) of the participants were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, precluding the testing of checklist specificity and sensitivity. The carer checklist shows promise as a means of gathering information needed by a GP in the diagnosis of depression in adults with ID. Further research into its underlying properties and clinical uses of a combined depression checklist is warranted.

The dexamethasone suppression test and the diagnosis of depression in adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities

The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was administered to 40 adults with severe and profound mental retardation. All participants were free from known conditions which may have given misleading results from cortisol assay. Of nine participants who showed symptoms possibly indicating depression the DST results concurred in two cases (i.e. there were two true-positives). However there were four or five (depending on criteria adopted) false-positive DST results. There did not appear to be a consistent behavioural profile for positive DST responders. With sensitivity to possible depression estimated at 22%, and a diagnostic confidence of < 35%, these data do not support recommendations that the DST is useful for assisting in diagnosis of depression in this population.