Combine these screening tools to detect bipolar depression
Used together, brief assessment tools, such as the PHQ9 and MDQ, have greater sensitivity and accuracy than clinician assessment alone.
Based on his MDQ results, the clinical interview, and current episode with mixed features, the patient was given a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. The psychiatrist prescribed divalproex 500 mg at bedtime and scheduled a return visit with a plan for further laboratory monitoring and up-titration if needed. He was also encouraged to follow up with his FP.
CORRESPONDENCE
Nagy A. Youssef, MD, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 997 St. Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912; nyoussef@augusta.edu.
SUPPORT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Dr. Youssef’s work on this paper was supported by the Office of Academic Affairs, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. We thank Mark Yassa, BS, for his assistance in editing.
