Prevalence and clinical characteristics of the DSM IV major depression among general internal medicine patients

• We screened 1398 patients admitted to the General Internal Medicine Service.
• The prevalence of major depression was 12.4%.
• Depressed mood, fatigue, and diminished interest and pleasure were highly present.
• Major depression was two times more prevalent among women.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the DSM IV major depressive disorder (MDD) among patients admitted to the General Internal Medicine Service of the Geneva University Hospital.Method557 patients admitted to the IM of the Geneva University Hospital aged 18 to 70 were investigated. Each subject was assessed by a clinical psychologist using the SCID (Structured Clinical Interview Depression for DSM-IV) questionnaire.Results69 patients (12.4%) met diagnostic criteria for MDD (men: 8.8%, women: 16.9%, p = .004). Among subjects with major depression, depressed mood (97%), fatigue (91%), and diminished interest and pleasure (81%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Recurrent thoughts of death were present in 48% of depressed patients.ConclusionsThis study raises further evidence that an elevated proportion of patients admitted to an acute care general internal medicine facility meet DSM IV criteria for MDD with nearly half of depressed patients suffering from recurrent thoughts of death. It emphasizes the necessity of a targeted, continuous, and active support given by the psychiatry liaison service in the internal medicine setting.