New NHS guidance says that patients with illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease should be screened for depression. Skip related content
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NHS recommends 'screening' for depression
Men and women with long-term health problems are known to be two or three times more likely to be depressed than those who are healthy.
As a result, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) is recommending that GPs should screen for depression by asking a series of questions rather than just focussing on physical aspects of an illness.
Research has shown that treating depression in people with chronic health problems can improve their symptoms.
The new guidance sets out key questions patients should be asked if a doctor suspects they may be at risk of depression, such as "During the last month, have you often been bothered by feeling down depressed or hopeless? ... or have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?"
If the patient says yes, the doctor should refer a patient on to a specialist or, if they are trained in mental health assessment, ask further questions to check if the patient has been bothered by feelings of worthlessness, poor concentration or thoughts of death.
Dr David Kessler, a GP and Walport Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care at Bristol University, said some doctors got "wrapped up" in treating physical symptoms but needed to be aware of the "background" of possible depression.
He added: "Depression is a common condition and one in six people in the UK will affected by it. What this guidance recommends is a broad approach, ensuring that the treatment offered is the most suitable for the individual."
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