Depression screening attitudes and practices among obstetrician-gynecologists

OBJECTIVE: To assess obstetrician-gynecologists' attitudes and practices related to depression screening. METHODS: A total of 282 obstetrician-gynecologists completed a 36-question mail survey that assessed attitudes regarding depression screening, training to treat depression, psychosocial concern, professional influence, and ease of screening. RESULTS: Depression screening (employed regardless of signs or symptoms) was reported by 44% of physicians. Positive attitudes toward depression screening, high psychosocial concern, high ease of screening, and adequate training to treat depression were significant independent predictors of depression screening practices. CONCLUSION: The majority of obstetrician-gynecologists are concerned about depression, believe depression screening is effective, and perform some degree of depression screening with their patients. However, they perceive depression screening as difficult to carry out in everyday practice, and some question whether screening improves outcomes. (Obstet Gynecol 2003;101:892-8. (C) 2003 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).