Detecting depression in elderly outpatients: findings from depression symptom scales and the Dartmouth COOP charts.

Abstract

This study affirms the potential utility of depression symptom screening scales in the outpatient setting. It also points to the possible utility of the emotional condition component of the Dartmouth COOP Functional Assessment Charts/WONCA as a screening question to be followed, as appropriate, by more formal instruments or clinical interview for depression in elderly outpatients.