(2002) Gen Hos Psych 24, 225; Williams J, Pignone M, Ramirez G, Stellato C. . Identifying depression in primary care: a literature synthesis of case-finding instruments. . Jul-Aug; . : . –37 . QUESTION: How effective are case-finding instruments for identifying depression in primary care? Systematic review with meta-analysis. Comparative studies were identified from Medline, a specialised trials registry and bibliographies of selected papers (1994-February 2000). Eligible studies were published in English, located in primary care settings, included unselected patients and compared case-finding instruments with accepted diagnostic criteria for major depression (gold standard). 16 case-finding instruments were assessed in 38 studies (26 in North America, 11 in Europe and 1 in Taiwan). Case-finding instruments ranged between 1–30 questions in length, with average administration times of 2–6 minutes. Data were extracted on sample size, instrument characteristics, blinding of assessors, study methodology and outcomes. …