RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Compare the findings of the application of the Zung self-rating depression scale to spanish community during the NDSD on three consecutive years (1993, 1994, 1995). METHOD: 630 adults in a spanish community filled out the Zung-Self Rating Depression Scale (spanish translation) during the NDSD in october 1993, 1994, 1995. The responders were oriented regarding the results and clinical implications. Scale results were entered on epi-info 6.0 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The obtained data shows a female preponderance in all samples. The groups found with SDS compatible with severe to extreme depression were 9.2%, 9.3 and 11.3% for the respective years. Symptoms more significantly reported by the responders with a SDS of 50 or more were psychomotor retardation, confusion and anhedonia. Suicidal ideations were reported in 17.8% (1993), 15.5% (1994) and 20.7% (1995) of the sample. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study the results suggest that the Zung self-rating depression scale can be helpful in the early detection of depression in patients seen in their initial evaluation by the primary care physician. It's usefulness with spanish speaking communities at other clinical settings should be assessed more extensively.