The screening and treatment of undiagnosed depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a general practice.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To screen for, and to treat, depression in COPD patients in a general practice surgery, and to test the feasibility of the screening method. METHODS: We sent The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Short-Form Questionnaire to all patients on the COPD register (n=69) by post, excluding those already diagnosed with depression (n=3). We sent appointments to all responders with moderate to severe depression and offered them treatment including antidepressants and pulmonary rehabilitation if the diagnosis was confirmed. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients to whom we sent questionnaires, 43 were returned completed and 13 of these had significant depression (30%). 10 of these patients were contactable and attended for review. The diagnosis of depression was confirmed in all 10 cases. Treatment options were discussed; five chose antidepressant medication, three chose pulmonary rehabilitation and two declined treatment. CONCLUSION: We identified and treated a significant number of depressed COPD patients in a general practice setting using this screening method. This method could have wider applications for screening, although further trials are needed.