Objectives: Validation of Goldberg's Anxiety and Depression scales in our settings.
Design: Transverse study. Two phases screening at population previously stratified and randomly allocated. SITE. National Health Institute's Primary Care Centres at the city of Zaragoza.
Patients and other participants: 444 patients, aged 19 and older, who attend their general practitioner for a new episode of illness. The sample has been previously stratified by sex and age.
Measurements and main results: At the first stage the sample has been studied with a Health Survey consisting of a variety of sound validity (General Health Questionnaire-28 items version, spanish version of Folstein's mini Mental Status Examination, CAGE and another drug and over the counter products screening questionnaire) and the new scales, that we attempt to validate. At the second stage "the possible cases" chosen at the first phase and 10% of possible non cases are assessed with a comprehensive Psychiatric Interview: EPEP (Standardized Polyvalent Psychiatric Interview).
Conclusions: The new scales E.A.D.G. have supported their validity for the screening of the most prevalent psychiatric disturbances in primary care settings. Their validity for the screening of the most prevalent psychiatric disturbances in primary care settings. They have outstanding and promising advantages when compared to traditional methods: brevity, simplicity, discriminatory ability between anxiety and depression and usefulness as an interview guideline.