Depression Prediction Assessment Now On-line
December 8th, 2008 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Update Presented by Jolyn Wells-Moran, PhD, MSW
A tool with good potential for predicting depression, called predictD, is now on-line for use by anyone who has a computer and an Internet connection. Although there are many depression assessments on the Internet, this is the only one based on empirical research of a depression assessment algorithm for predicting the disorder. Participating researchers believe the tool can become a tool for use by medical practitioners. The research study included 5,216 study participants in the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Estonia, and another 1,732 in Chile (King, Walker, Levy, et et al., 2008).
The 39-question instrument was tested on adults who were not depressed at the time and included age, physical health and family history of psychological problems. Over 85% of participants remained in the study and were evaluated for depression, based on the DSM – IV criteria for depression, at six and nine month intervals. The researchers reported significantly positive results, similar to those found with the algorithm developed in Europe for prediction of cardiovascular events that is now used widely.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the number of years lived with depression, worldwide, is greater than with any other disability. They say it’s the fourth leading cause of premature death and loss of productivity, and expected to be the second by 2020. Depression can become disabling when eating, sleeping, self-care, concentration and other activities of life are disrupted.
One of the primary researchers, Professor Michael King, University College London, Department of Mental Health Sciences, said, “Recognition of those at risk could help with watchful waiting or active support, such as restarting treatment in patients with a history of depression. Patients could also be advised on the nature of depression or on cognitive behavior therapies to help reduce their risk of developing major depression.”
Further randomized trials are planned for Europe. The project’s investigators hope to test it in China too.
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14 comments so far
Thanks for a very interesting and useful article.
How does this related to the Beck Depression Inventory…which has
reasonable reliability and validity, and is pretty easy to administer and score?
art
Does this tool simply divulge if the person is depressed or has a tendency for depression or does it also analyse the degree to which one is depressed. Depending on the analysis, are there suggestions for what kind of therapy to follow?
I agree that this is a very useful article and appreciate you listing it here. Maybe this will help a lot of people who may have depression and notice the signs and seek help
I plan on checking out this website. That is a disturbing factor above that depression is the 4th leading cause in premature death. I didn’t realize it was that high on the list. And to predict that it may be the 2nd by 2020 is more alarming.
This really could be a great tool when administered and read the right way, but I do have to say that I am always a little concerned when it comes to the general public and self diagnosis. However this could end up being quite effective for some who know they have a problem and when they see the results could encourage them to seek the help they need.
I hope that this resource is one which will be utilized and get people who have depression to get treated.
I think this is a very useful article and although it shouldn’t be used to self diagnose a situation like depression, it sure gives us the tools we need to help notice the signs and get help.
Is there anyone out there who is concerned that this might not necessarily be such a good thing? I am glad that we all now have access to some of the best resources on the web but I am never too pleased when people try to diagnose and treat themselves based on info that they find on the internet. I think this can be irresponsible at best and honestly that it may actually keep some people from seeking the outside treatment that they need. They may simply think that this is something that will pass and in many cases this is just not true. I think that this can be great as an initial step toward recovery, but certainly not intended to be used as the only step. I am trying not to be critical because I do think that good intent with the tool is there and that it can be useful, but not the end all and be all.
How can any test online be considered a reliable predictor when there are so many things that can be faked that way?
Are there any links on the site that will tell you where you can go to get help if indeed you do show signs of depression given the results of the test?
Travis I think that is a totally valid point. What if you take the test and all of the signs point to depression yet you atill have no idea of where to go to get help? That could be scary
Yes, actually this site is a great resource if you are looking for a therapist in your area. I’d check out the listings here as a first step.
regards
I have not looked at the site. Is it a predictor of a current situation or a predictor of what could potentially happen to you in the future given your answers?
Well written post. Over time I recovered from depression but it took medication, counseling and also a lot of personal development. Are there any good forums you would recommend?