There are several screening tests out there to determine whether one will fit the DSM criteria for depression. Interestingly enough, according to an article I read not too long ago, the best screening test for moderate to severe depression is to ask the patient, “Are you depressed?” It is nearly 100% sensitive and 100% specific to a gold standard diagnosis.
I love common sense medicine.
Dr. J
Sentinel:
Hmm, rather circular, isn’t it?
Shrink: Your honor, we move for a ruling in favor of involuntary psychiatric commitment.
Judge: Then you feel, I take it, that the patient suffers from a grave mental illness?
Shrink: The patient suffers from clinical depression, your honor.
Judge: Clinical depression? Is that a major mental illness of the sort that requires psychiatric treatment?
Shrink: It is indeed, your honor.
Judge: And on what basis did you arrive at your diagnosis of clinical depression in this patient’s case?
Shrink: The diagnosis was determined by the observation that the patient is in need of psychiatric treatment, your honor.
Judge: And how was the determination for that need made?
Shrink: Well, the patient has clinical depression, your honor, and clinical depression requires psychiatric treatment.
Judge: Hmm, I see…