U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for Suicide Risk in Adolescents

Target Audience: Primary care clinicians

Background and Objective

The USPSTF has updated its 2004 analysis of evidence on screening adolescents, adults, and older adults for suicide risk in primary care settings. Key points from the guideline and systematic review relevant to adolescents are as follows:

Key Points

• Evidence is insufficient to assess the net benefits and harms from screening for suicide risk in adolescents and adults in primary care.

• Primary care clinicians should continue to screen adolescents and adults for depression when appropriate systems are in place for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

• One study found that adding questions about suicide to a psychosoci…