Quick test to diagnose depression

Depression can be identified early on the basis of four simple questions?

07/05/2013

A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin has developed a rapid test for depression, which should help general practitioners recognize it. So far, people with depression are often exposed to considerable suffering for a long time before the right diagnosis is made. The decision tree presented now aims to enable the detection of depressive moods based on a few, simple yes-no questions.

The questionnaire of the decision tree, initially adapted to women, is based on what is commonly used in psychology „frequently used for the diagnosis of depressive moods Becks depression inventory with a total of 21 criteria“, reports the Max Planck Institute for Educational Research. The research team of the department „Adaptive rationality“ have starting from the „Assumption from decision-making research that simple decision-making mechanisms often work just as well as complex (...) develops a new approach to diagnosing depression more quickly.“ The following four questions are meant to help women understand: Did you cry more this week than you used to? Did you look particularly discouraged into the future this week? Were you disappointed this week or did you hate yourself? Did you feel like you were a failure this week? Get all these questions with you „Yes“ answered, suggests the suspicion of a clinically relevant depressive mood, according to the statement of the Max Planck Institute.

Quick test can predict depression
The clear advantage of the decision tree is the speed of a possible first classification. General practitioners can use his help to determine immediately if the referral to a specialist is required. Its expressiveness has been based on the rapid test for the diagnosis of depression in a review „The Dresdner Longitudinal Study on Mental Health - an epidemiological study from 2010, in which about 1,300 young women between 18 and 25 years in an 18-month period had to provide information on depressive symptoms“ - proven, reports the Max Planck Institute. According to study director Mirjam Jenny, the analysis showed, „that with the decision tree depression can be predicted with similar reliability as with more complicated and lengthy methods.“

Depression quick test for men would have to be adjusted
Although the rapid test proved to be a reliable tool for the early detection of depressive moods, it should be noted that the decision tree for the detection of depression in women was developed and tested so far only in this group of subjects, explained the study leader. According to the experts, a decision tree for men would have to take into account that they often show other symptoms than women and, for example, usually feel less sadness. In the long term, the researchers hope for a comprehensive use of decision trees in the general medical field as a kind of rapid test that will help GPs in the detection of depression in particular ... Because for many patients with depression their family practice is the first port of call.

Final diagnosis of depression only the specialists
Study leader Mirjam Jenny emphasized that „easily incorporate the questions of the decision tree into the anamnestic conversation“ In addition, the test could also help non-medically trained staff in schools or in the military sector to recognize depression early and initiate further relief measures for those affected. Under no circumstances could the quick test, however „Psychiatrists, psychologists or psychotherapists replace. The diagnosis of depression should ultimately always be in the professional context“, explained the study leader in the current press release of the Max Planck Institute.

Decision trees as a tool of medicine?
In addition to the decision tree for the detection of depression, the researchers of the Max Planck Institute plan in the future the development of further decision trees on medical issues, such as for the emergency medical area. After all, speed matters here. (Fp)