Article

OBJECTIVE: Patients in rehabilitation with comorbid depressive disorders display
increased morbidity, mortality and inability to work. The aim of this study is to
determine the prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms in rehabilitation.
METHODS: A total of 6,000 patients were contacted by post at the same time as
receiving approval for their medical rehabilitation from German Federal Pension
Insurance. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health
Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Results were compared with prevalences in the general
population by analysing the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for
Adults (DEGS). RESULTS: A total of 2,152 out of 5,891 patients participated in
the study (response rate: 36.5%). The prevalence of self-reported depressive
symptoms was 33.1% (women 34.1%, men 31.3%). In contrast, 7.8% of the German
general population reported depressive symptoms (women 9.4%, men 6.2%). The
highest prevalences were found in neurological (36.4%) and orthopaedic (35.6%)
rehabilitation, the lowest in cancer rehabilitation (23.0%). Depressive symptoms
were significantly associated with higher comorbidity and impairment due to pain,
with lower social support and self-efficacy and with specific work-related
problems. CONCLUSION: A short routine screening yielded a positive test result
for depressive symptoms in a third of rehabilitation patients, thus approximately
four times higher than in the general population. This is valuable information in
order to better adjust treatment to patient needs.

Langue : ANGLAIS