IMPROVED DIAGNOSTIC-ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR DEPRESSION IN PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT CARE IN FINLAND

The accuracy of diagnosis of major depression by psychiatrists, psychi atric residents, and other physicians in outpatient psychiatric care s ettings in Finland was examined. A total of 232 patients who visited f our mental health centers in the hospital district of Satakunta during three years (1989, 1992, and 1995) were retrospectively given a diagn osis of first-episode major depression by researchers, based on chart reviews. These diagnoses were compared with those made by the evaluati ng clinicians, Accurate diagnosis was associated with the specialty of the physician and the location of the mental health center. Recogniti on of major depression significantly improved over the time period, wh ich could be attributed to educational efforts, increasing familiarity with DSM-III-R criteria, and use of new antidepressants.