Updated Guidelines on Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents

The USPSTF reaffirms its 2009 recommendation that adolescents aged 12 to 18 years be screened for depression provided adequate support systems are in place, and broadens its recommendation for treatment.

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

Target Population: Primary care providers

Background

Depression in children and adolescents is associated with suicide, functional impairment, and recurrent depression in adulthood. Based on evidence from a systematic review of the literature, the USPSTF has updated its 2009 recommendations for screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years.

Key Points

Screening for MDD in primary care settings is recommended for adolescents aged 12 to 18, provided appropriate systems are in place for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Evidence remains insufficient to make recommendations for children younger than 12.
The Patient Health Questionnai…

Reviewing Author

Alain Joffe, MD, MPH, FAAP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose