USPSTF Recommends Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents

However, the Task Force concluded that evidence was insufficient to make a recommendation for depression screening in younger children.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Background

The USPSTF has updated their guideline (from 2016) regarding screening for depression and suicide risk in children and adolescents (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 2016 and Ann Intern Med 2016; 164:360) and has formulated a new guideline to address screening for anxiety. The guidelines apply to children and adolescents in primary care settings who do not have mental illness diagnoses or exhibit signs or symptoms of mental illness.

Key Findings

The USPSTF found a moderate net benefit of screening adolescents (age range, 12–18 years) for depression and screening adolescents and children (age range, 8–18 years) for anxiety. (B recommendation for both)
The Task Force fo…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

USPSTF Recommends Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents

Topics

Background

Key Findings

Reviewing Author