Citation

Valente SM, Saunders J. J. Psychosoc. Nurs. Ment. Health Serv. 2005; 43(11): 22-31.

Affiliation

Department of Veteran Affairs, Los Angeles, USA. sharon.valente@med.va.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Healio)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16350912

Abstract

Self-report instruments for depression and suicide risk can help busy clinicians identify adult clients who may be at risk for depressive disorders. These instruments provide a baseline measure of clients' behavioral status, reflect response to treatment, and improve clinical decision making. Such scales can also detect symptoms of depression regardless of whether they are reported or observed. Clinicians' recognition of depression is improved when self-report screening tools are used. When it is not feasible to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, screening instruments can identify at-risk clients who need further evaluation.