[Use of scales in depression patients in clinical practice in Argentina].

Although depression is a treatable cause of suffering, disability and death, its identifcation and treatment continue to be a challenge in clinical practice and a severe problem for global public health. The main objective of this study was to investigate the frequency with which mental health professionals use scales to assess depressive patients in Argentina and to determine the reasons that constrain such practice. Between July and September 2012 a national survey was conducted by e-mail.