Key concepts in screening for depression in people with diabetes

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression is increased in people with diabetes and there are both national and international recommendations for screening of depression in people with diabetes. The aim of this review is to assess the justification for screening for depression in people with diabetes.MethodsThe viability, effectiveness and appropriateness of screening for depression in people with diabetes were assessed based on the UK National Screening Committee criteria for appraising screening programs. For this purpose, a review of relevant publications from the literature listed in MEDLINE, Psych-INFO and EMBASE was performed.ResultsMost criteria for screening of depression in diabetes are fully or partially fulfilled. Further research is needed to provide fully scientifically substantiated recommendations for screening for depression in diabetes, especially in the areas of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of such screening programs.LimitationsAs most screening is currently sporadic and there are no formal screening programs, some criteria are not satisfied.ConclusionsThere is a rationale to introduce screening for depression in patients with diabetes in a clinical setting but further research is needed to evaluate the most clinically effective and cost effective way of doing so in structured screening programs.