Abstract
Aims and Objectives:
To screen for, and to treat, depression in COPD patients in a general practice surgery, and to test the feasibility of the screening method.
Methods:
We sent The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Short-Form Questionnaire to all patients on the COPD register (n=69) by post, excluding those already diagnosed with depression (n=3). We sent appointments to all responders with moderate to severe depression and offered them treatment including antidepressants and pulmonary rehabilitation if the diagnosis was confirmed.
Results:
Of the 66 patients to whom we sent questionnaires, 43 were returned completed and 13 of these had significant depression (30%). 10 of these patients were contactable and attended for review. The diagnosis of depression was confirmed in all 10 cases. Treatment options were discussed; five chose antidepressant medication, three chose pulmonary rehabilitation and two declined treatment.
Conclusion:
We identified and treated a significant number of depressed COPD patients in a general practice setting using this screening method. This method could have wider applications for screening, although further trials are needed.
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Ahmed, K., Kelshiker, A. & Jenner, C. The screening and treatment of undiagnosed depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a general practice. Prim Care Respir J 16, 249–251 (2007). https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2007.00048
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2007.00048