Screening for depressive illness in adult populations

Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide. Screening in at-risk populations is important in identifying those at most need of treatment. Pengpid et al report on high rates of incident and persistent symptoms of depression identified in an epidemiological study in a Thai population and their association with physical comorbidities. However, there are limitations to screening, due to both resource implications and the risk of diagnostic overshadowing. Although screening is useful in providing an overview of the prevalence of depressive symptoms from an epidemiological perspective, there may be justified concerns in translating this approach to clinical settings. This is especially true where the resources to provide further comprehensive assessment and treatment may be inadequate. Clinically there is a need to consider a more complete approach to screening that utilises screening tools embedded in a wider diagnostic approach which allows the detection and management of other confounding conditions.