two question depression screen

Procedure: 1) During the past month have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless? 2) During the past month have you often been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things? A yes answer to either question: - 97% sensitivity - 67% specificity , for depression. 99.6% negative predictive value (no to both questions)

References

- Journal Watch 24(3):24, 2004 - Arroll B et al Screening for depression in primary care with two verbally asked questions: cross sectional study. BMJ 327:1144, 2003 PMID: 14615341 http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/327/7424/1144