Name of the Procedure:

Negative Screen for Depressive Symptoms, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Assessment

Summary

This procedure involves using a standardized tool to assess if an individual shows no signs of depressive symptoms. It's a quick and simple way to screen for depression.

Purpose

The purpose of this screening is to identify the absence of depressive symptoms, confirming that the individual is not currently suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). The goal is to ensure the mental well-being of the patient and potentially direct them to other necessary healthcare services if needed.

Indications

• Routine mental health check-ups
• Initial evaluation during a healthcare visit
• Monitoring mental health status in at-risk populations

Preparation

• No specific preparation is needed.
• Patients should be ready to answer questions honestly about their mood, behavior, and overall mental health.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider selects a standardized depression screening tool, such as the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) or the BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II).
2. The patient is asked a series of questions that assess various aspects of their mental health over the past two weeks.
3. The provider tallies the scores according to the tool's guidelines.
4. If the total score indicates no depressive symptoms, the screen is considered negative.

Duration

Typically, the screening takes about 5-10 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• General practitioner's office
• Mental health center

Personnel

• Primary care physician
• Nurse
• Mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist)

Risks and Complications

• There are no physical risks associated with this screening.
• Emotional discomfort may arise from discussing personal feelings and mental health.

Benefits

• Confirmation of no depressive symptoms provides peace of mind.
• Early identification and monitoring of mental health status.
• Informs healthcare providers about the need for any additional mental health support.

Recovery

• No recovery period required.
• Patients may continue with regular activities immediately after the screening.

Alternatives

• Self-assessment using online tools or questionnaires.
• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for a more in-depth analysis of mental health.

Patient Experience

• Patients will answer questions about their mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and other behaviors.
• It is usually stress-free, but honesty is crucial for accurate results.
• Most patients feel relief upon learning they do not exhibit depressive symptoms.