Screenings for Depression Held at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals

The Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at both Jamaica and Flushing Hospital recognized National Depression Screening Day by offering depression screenings on Thursday, October 11.

Community members, as well as staff, were invited to fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool used to assess an individual’s state of depression.

“Many people don’t realize that they are depressed—they don’t attribute fatigue, lack of motivation, loss off appetite, or even physical problems to depression,” said Dr. Hutterer, Psychologist at Jamaica Hospital. “The screening provides individuals with a chance to discover if psychological issues underlie these symptoms and if so, how to get help for what is often a treatable illness.”

According to Dr. Daniel Chen, Assistant Chairman of Psychiatry at Flushing Hospital, members of the department were on hand to not only provide depression screenings but based on the results, arrange intake appointments as well.

Individuals were advised by staff to seek help once their total score reached at least ten, added Ms. Roxana Korb, Clinical Manager of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital. Based on the PHQ-9 Score Card, a total score of ten -14 means moderate depression, 15-19 means moderately severe depression, and 20-27 means severe depression.

Jamaica Hospital completed 109 screenings, scheduled 10 appointments, and saw one individual immediately. Flushing Hospital had 40 screenings and arranged three appointments. Both hospitals started their annual depression screenings in 1999.