Citation

Bhattacharjee S, Goldstone L, Vadiei N, Lee JK, Burke WJ. Psychiatr. Serv. 2018; 69(10): 1098-1100.

Affiliation

Dr. Bhattacharjee, Dr. Vadiei, and Dr. Lee are with the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson. Dr. Goldstone is with the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles. Dr. Burke is with the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, both in Phoenix.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.201700439

PMID

29983110

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined national patterns, predictors, and trends in depression screening among adults without a diagnosis of depression in the United States.

METHODS: A cross-sectional design utilizing pooled data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2005-2015) was used. The study sample consisted of ambulatory care visits to nonpsychiatrists among adults (≥18 years) without a depression diagnosis. Depression screening was the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and piecewise regression analyses were conducted to achieve the study objectives.

RESULTS: The national-level depression screening rate was 1.4% of all adult ambulatory care visits. Year, gender, physician specialty, geographic region, and time spent with physician were significantly associated with depression screening. Piecewise regression analysis revealed a statistically significant (p<.001) interaction between year and change in depression screening rate, where screening rates increased significantly after 2009.

CONCLUSIONS: Although screening rates have increased significantly after 2009, screening remains low among adults without a depression diagnosis.

Language: en

Keywords

Adults; Ambulatory setting; Depression screening; Trends