Screening, diagnosis & monitoring of depression/distress in CHF patients
Journal: Heart Failure Reviews
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Mark W. Ketterer and Walter Knysz
Abstract
Objective and validated measures of depression/distress (anxiety and anger) are available and readily usable at the bedside or in clinic.
Foremost among these is the Patient’s Health Questionnaire—an adaptation of DSM IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder that permits administration and scoring by nursing or physician personnel, and quantification of the intensity of depression. A score of 10 or greater indicates a need for evaluation/treatment.
Because of patient denial/minimization/alexithymia, PHQ negatives should undergo further screening by having a spouse or friend complete a depression/distress rating scale.
The only standardized, normed, and validated spouse/friend scale presently available is the Ketterer Stress Symptom Frequency Checklist, which is available by internet.
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