Final answer:
Qualified health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health clinicians are typically the ones qualified to use depression assessment instruments. In certain conditions, trained nurses and researchers may also use these tools under supervision to identify depression, especially in interdisciplinary health care settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The depression assessment instruments described are designed for use by qualified health professionals. These assessment tools, such as the Depressive Attributions Questionnaire (DAQ) and depression epidemiology studies, like those by Kessler and others, are typically utilized by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health clinicians. These professionals have the training to not only administer the assessments and interpret the data gathered but also to follow up with appropriate treatment plans based on the results.
Understanding cognitive aspects of depression is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment, as mentioned in Joormann's work in the Handbook of Depression. Similarly, Brown and Harris discuss the role of life events in depression, signifying the complexity of assessments that may involve evaluating a patient's history. Thase's exploration of neurobiological aspects complements this by providing a backdrop for the biological factors that can be assessed. It's also important to note that in some contexts, such as primary care settings or research, appropriately trained nurses, social workers, or researchers may also utilize these tools under supervision or with specific training to help identify depression as per recommendations such as those from the American Heart Association.
Moreover, with the rise of interdisciplinary approaches in health care, professionals from a range of disciplines may be involved in using these instruments as part of a team, ensuring comprehensive care that includes mental health as a component of overall wellbeing. This interdisciplinary approach is supported by research and guidelines that call for a broad scope of practitioners to be vigilant about depression screening, particularly when existing health conditions, like coronary heart disease, may be impacted by mental health.
Qualified health professionals, including mental health clinicians and sometimes other trained medical staff within interdisciplinary teams, are qualified to use depression assessment instruments to diagnose and plan treatment for depression.