An efficient method for screening depression in primary care may ultimately
facilitate referrals to and collaboration with psychologists. The current
study extends previous research on the validity of the Mood Module of the P
rimary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD; R. L. Spitzer et al.,
1995) and used nurses as administrators in two rural public health units.
Participants were 136 predominantly female (59% Caucasian, 38% African Amer
ican) primary care patients. Results indicated that 40% were classified as
depressed. Depressed participants reported significantly worse mental and p
hysical functioning, even after controlling for age, severity of illness, a
nd tobacco use. Routine screenings for mood disorders in rural primary care
could serve as a means of facilitating collaboration between primary care
physicians and psychologists.