A retrospective analysis of the long-term test-retest stability of pain descriptors of the painDETECT questionnaire.

Objective: PainDETECT (PD-Q) is a patient reported screening questionnaire to identify patients with neuropathic pain based on questions regarding typically sensory symptoms of neuropathic pain. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the test-retest stability of pain descriptors of the PD-Q within a time window of 1-3 weeks.

Methods: Data sets of 74 chronic pain patients sampled in an open pain register at two visits were analyzed and compared.

The role of screening tools in diagnosing neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain affects 6-8% of the general adult population. It is reported by 27% of chronic pain patients and 40% of cancer patients, yet there is no standardized diagnostic test for neuropathic pain. A number of screening tools have been developed based on verbal pain descriptors, with or without limited clinical examination, to identify individuals with neuropathic pain.

[Treatment situation of long-term unemployed with psychological disorders].

Background: Untreated psychiatric disorders of long-term unemployed persons represent a medical problem and a placement barrier to the labor market that can be eliminated. The objective of the study was to assess the spectrum of diagnoses and the treatment rates in a group of unemployed persons (≥ 50 years) referred by the employment exchange of the job center in Munich to a center for psychosocial coaching.

Methods: Out of 105 participants 44 (42%) showing signs of psychiatric disorders according to the patient health questionnaire (PHQ) screening were included in the evaluation.

[Screening for depression in nursing homes: validity of the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index].

Objective: Depression is common in nursing home residents, but is still underrecognized. Screening for depression could be a first step to increase recognition rates within this high-risk group. Therefore, we investigated the validity of the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (WHO-5) for early detection of depression in nursing home residents.

[Prevalence of mental disorders in the elderly long-term unemployed. Comparison of results of the project KompAQT and the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey].

Objective: Unemployed persons have a higher risk for mental disorders. There is some evidence that this risk is even greater for the elderly longterm unemployed. This study assesses the prevalence of mental disorders in this group.