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J
Fam Pract 2000 Jul;49(7):614-21 (ISSN:
0094-3509)
Shedler J; Beck A; Bensen S
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Many
case-finding instruments are available to help primary
care physicians (PCPs) diagnose depression, but they are
not widely used. Physicians often consider these
instruments too time consuming or feel they do not
provide sufficient diagnostic information. Our study
examined the validity and utility of the Quick
PsychoDiagnostics (QPD) Panel, an automated mental
health test designed to meet the special needs of PCPs.
The test screens for 9 common psychiatric disorders and
requires no physician time to administer or score.
METHODS:
We evaluated criterion
validity relative to the Structured Clinical Interview
for DSM-IV (SCID), and evaluated convergent validity by
correlating QPD Panel scores with established mental
health measures. Sensitivity to change was examined by
readministering the test to patients pretreatment and
posttreatment. Utility was evaluated through physician
and patient satisfaction
surveys.
RESULTS:
For major depression,
sensitivity and specificity were 81% and 96%,
respectively. For other disorders, sensitivities ranged
from 69% to 98%, and specificities ranged from 90% to
97%. The depression severity score correlated highly
with the Beck, Hamilton, Zung, and CES-D depression
scales, and the anxiety score correlated highly with the
Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the
anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90 (Ps
<.001). The test was sensitive to change. All PCPs
agreed or strongly agreed that the QPD Panel "is
convenient and easy to use," "can be used immediately by
any physician," and "helps provide better patient care."
Patients also rated the test
favorably.
CONCLUSIONS:
The QPD Panel
is a valid mental health assessment tool that can
diagnose a range of common psychiatric disorders and is
practical for routine use in primary
care.
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