@article{ref1,
title="Validation of a brief, two question depression screen in trauma patients",
journal="Journal of trauma and acute care surgery",
year="2015",
author="Warren, Ann Marie and Reynolds, Megan and Foreman, Michael L. and Bennett, Monica M. and Weddle, Jo and Austin, Jessica Danielle and Roden-Foreman, Kenleigh and Petrey, Laura B.",
volume="80",
number="2",
pages="318-323",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Increasingly, depression following traumatic injury is recognized as a complication of injury. Unlike mandated screening for risky alcohol use in trauma centers, screening for psychological risks is not required by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT). Limited resources and time constraints are commonly given reasons against routine screening. The purpose of this study was to determine if a two item screen was as valid as an eight question screen for depression. <br><br>METHODS: 421 patients were given the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) during initial hospitalization to assess depression in a prospective study at a level I trauma center. A cut off score ≥10 (possible range of 0-24) on the PHQ-8 is used as diagnostic for depression. The PHQ-2 (possible range 0-6) is derived from the first two questions of the PHQ-8 and contains items assessing sad mood and loss of interest/pleasure over the previous two weeks. A cut off score ≥3 was considered to be a positive screen. Discriminatory ability of the PHQ-2 was calculated. <br><br>RESULTS: The sample was predominantly male (65%) and Caucasian (67%). The majority (85%) sustained a blunt trauma, the primary cause of injury was motor vehicle collision (37%), with a mean Injury Severity Score of 11.6. 142 (34%) were positive for depression on the PHQ-8. When comparing the PHQ-2 to the PHQ-8, a sensitivity of 76.1 and specificity of 92.8 were found, as well as a positive predictive value of 84.4. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The result of our study confirms that depression is a frequent condition (34%) among individuals who sustain physical injury. The PHQ-2 appears to have acceptable sensitivity and specificity to identify depression in this population. The use of a two item screening questionnaire is a minimal addition to the evaluation of patients after injury, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2163-0755",
doi="10.1097/TA.0000000000000898",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000000898"
}