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Tools and Techniques for Evaluating Depression

Steven C. Stoner

UMKC Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, M3-C19, Medical School Building, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108-2792.

Depression is a common and under-recognized disease state usually treated in the outpatient setting. Since it does not usually require sophisticated laboratory tests or physical evaluations as a component of monitoring, depression is a condition that can be managed by pharmacists in any setting. Due to depression’s high prevalence, pharmacists must be aware of the usual presentation so they can better identify patients in need of treatment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSMIV) describes specific criteria needed for the diagnosis of depression to be made. The diagnostic criteria in DSM-IV are essentially the target symptoms used to monitor changes in a patient’s status. Psychometric rating scales assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms in a standardized manner. Several rating scales are currently available to assess depression, including the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Zung Self-Rating Scale. Rating scales can help pharmacists assess a change in symptoms or determine the baseline severity of symptoms. They also provide a framework to gather information from the patient. By understanding the presentation of depression and simple ways to assess it, pharmacists can be proactive in treating this common and sometimes life-threatening psychiatric disorder.

Key Words: assessment • evaluation • depression • rating scales

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 14, No. 6, 448-452 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/089719001129040937


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