One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Cedars-Sinai now screening all hospital patients for depression
Two women have come forward saying a male nursing assistant at Cedars-Sinai sexually assaulted them. The employee was fired last year.
(
Getty Images/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:45
Cedars-Sinai now screening all hospital patients for depression
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles is now screening all hospital patients for clinical depression, noting that the condition can delay physical healing and make recovery far more difficult.
Under the new program, a registered nurse will ask newly-admitted patients two questions about their mood and energy level. The query, which happens within 24 hours of admission, is intended to identify possible clinical depression in patients.
Those who show signs of the illness will then undergo a more detailed screening, which may lead to recommendations for treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says depression at various levels afflicts one in ten Americans.
The major signs of depression*:
- A depressed or sad mood
- Diminished interest in activities which used to be pleasurable
- Weight gain or loss
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue
- Inappropriate guilt
- Difficulties concentrating
Five or more of the above symptoms must be present for a continuous period of at least two weeks for the condition to qualify as clinical depression, according to diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
