A New depression screening tool gauges progress

A new screening tool could help primary care physicians manage their depressed patients by evaluating how much an individual’s condition has improved, according to new research by the developers of the test.

The study authors recommend that primary care physicians use the new Remission Evaluation and Mood Inventory Tool in conjunction with the widely administered nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire.

he PHQ-9 was developed by physicians who received a grant from Pfizer Inc. The questionnaire helps doctors diagnose depression in patients who might be presenting symptoms and select the appropriate treatment by gauging the extent of an individual’s depression. For example, the PHQ-9 asks a patient how often in the last two weeks he or she has felt down, depressed or hopeless.

PHQ-9 measures improvement in symptoms by evaluating if patients are showing fewer of them, with less severity. REMIT is designed to measure positive aspects of a depressed patients’ recovery, with questions about whether patients are feeling happy or in control. The research for this tool was partially supported by a grant from Eli Lilly & Co. Curious? Continue reading

Source: amednew