USPSTF Recommends Depression Screening in Draft Statement

By Kristin J. Kelley

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

All adults should be screened for depression in primary care settings "with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up," according to a draft statement from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The grade B recommendation (i.e., when the net benefit of screening is moderate or greater) updates the task force's 2009 recommendation to include pregnant and postpartum women.

The group says there is "adequate evidence" that such screening leads to a reduction or remission of depression symptoms in adults in the general population. Moreover, treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy improves clinical outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women who are depressed.

The task force also notes there is "convincing evidence" that treating adults and older adults who have depression identified through routine screening decreases morbidity.