Research from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine has shown that the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) scale for depression developed by the National Institutes of Health can accurately measure depression symptoms and its severity.
The findings of the study were published in the ‘Journal of Psychosomatic Research’.
“Depression is treatable, that’s why routine screening is strongly recommended,” said study lead author Dr Kurt Kroenke, M.D., Regenstrief research scientist and IU School of Medicine professor of medicine.
“Measurement-based care is important to track a patient’s progress in order to make adjustments to care when needed. This study found that the PROMIS scales are an accurate measure of depression to aid in diagnosis and treatment,” added Dr Kroenke.
The research team analyzed data from three randomized clinical trials involving about 650 patients. It compared the results of the PROMIS scale, which is a survey where patients report their symptoms, to the results of a structured psychiatric interview.
They also compared the diagnostic performance of the PROMIS scale and Patient Health Questionnaire nine-item depression scale (PHQ-9), which has been validated and widely adopted around the world, to benchmark the PROMIS measures. The PHQ-9 was developed by Dr Kroenke.
Data analysis showed that PROMIS and PHQ-9 depression scales have similar accuracy when diagnosing depression. “PROMIS scales are already commonly in use, and both PROMIS and PHQ scales are accessible and free in the public domain. This research supports both as viable screening options,” said Kroenke.
“The pandemic has taken a substantial toll on mental health, and there will likely be a lingering effect. Screening has become all the more important because we must be able to diagnose and treat patients who are suffering. Monitoring depression is no different than monitoring blood pressure, so these scales are important tools that are proven to work,” he added.