Name of the Procedure:

Screening for Depression (DEM)

• Common names: Depression Screening, Mental Health Check
• Technical/Medical term: Depression Evaluation and Management

Summary

Screening for depression involves assessing an individual's mental health to identify signs of depression. This non-invasive procedure usually involves questionnaires and interviews carried out by a healthcare professional to evaluate emotional well-being.

Purpose

• Condition Addressed: Depression, mood disorders
• Goals: To detect depression early, assess its severity, and initiate appropriate treatment to improve mental health outcomes.

Indications

• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in weight or appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death or suicide.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals showing signs of depression, those with a family history of depression, patients with chronic illnesses, women during and after pregnancy, elderly patients, adolescent screenings.

Preparation

• Instructions: No specific preparation required.
• Assessments: May include a review of medical history and current medications. Sometimes, blood tests are performed to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Patient fills out standardized questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9).
2. Clinical Interview: Healthcare provider discusses symptoms, duration, intensity, and impact on daily life.
3. Evaluation: Assessment of medical history, mental health, risk factors, and social circumstances.
4. Diagnosis: Based on clinical criteria (DSM-5), questionnaire scores, and professional judgment.
5. Follow-up: Recommendations for treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or referrals to mental health specialists.

• Tools/Equipment: Standardized questionnaires, clinical interview forms.
• Anesthesia: Not applicable.

Duration

• Typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

• Performed in various healthcare settings such as primary care offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, or mental health centers.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal to none, as it is a non-invasive procedure.
• Complications: Emotional distress may be triggered in some patients; appropriate support and management are provided.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Early identification and treatment of depression, leading to better management of symptoms and improvement in quality of life.
• Realization: Benefits might be noticed shortly after initiating treatment plans.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: No specific care required.
• Recovery Time: Immediate return to normal activities; follow-up appointments may be scheduled for further evaluation and treatment adjustments.

Alternatives

• Alternative Options: Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, counseling sessions without initial screening, self-assessment tools online.
• Comparison Pros/Cons: Comprehensive evaluation may provide more detailed insight but takes longer and may require specialized professionals.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients might feel relieved to discuss problems, but some may feel anxious or distressed.
• Post Procedure: Generally, a sense of being heard and on the path to getting help; follow-up care typically includes tailored treatment plans and support. Pain management isn't typically necessary but emotional support is crucial.