In the fast paced world of primary care performing a full battery of psychological assessments to diagnose a psychological disorder isn’t always practical. To assist with diagnosis and treatment planning, short screening devices are often used. These devices are often short and quick- less than a page and can be administered in under 5 minutes. Additionally, they can easily be administered and scored by a variety of professionals.
Depression
According to the World Health Organization depression is projected to become the leading cause of disability and the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020. Depression is also one of the most commonly reported mental health issues in primary care settings
- The PHQ-9 is the most commonly used Depression screening device used in primary care settings. This screening device is also available in a modified version for adolescents.
- PHQ -9
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Adolescents
- World Health Organization Fact Sheet on Depression: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/
Suicide
Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss with patients, but often a necessary one. For primary care providers, knowing how to talk to a patient about suicide and how to appropriately screen for suicide could potentially save the life of a patient. Suicide rates also tend to be higher in rural areas due to the increased access to means (such as guns), the isolated nature of rural areas, and the stigma of seeking mental health care.
This article by the American Psychological Association highlights the suicide problem in rural areas, and how psychologists and mental health professionals are working to reach out to those in need. Reducing Rural Suicide
- The Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) is a guide for mental health professionals to appropriately screen for and triage suicide risk.
- The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a suicide screening device designed to be used by any medical professional and mental health professional in primary care settings, and even by teachers or guidance counselors in school settings.
- The World Health Organization’s fact sheet on suicide.
- The Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Rural Primary Care is a comprehensive toolkit to help rural primary care centers that are interested in starting a suicide prevention program. This toolkit includes vital tools such as general information about suicide, suicide assessment devices, safety planning, how to train providers, and even billing and other administrative details that can aid in the development of a suicide prevention program.