High Rates of Adolescent Depression and Suicide Risk Detected by Routine Screening in Primary Care

The USPTF recommends screening adolescents ≥12 years-old for depression during primary care visits. To anticipate and provide appropriate mental-health referrals and follow-up services, understanding the rates of positive screens is necessary. Within a single institution's 12-site primary care network that provides primary care for >100,000 children, investigators analyzed screening results for depression (using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 Modified for Adolescents [PHQ-9A]) and suicide risk (using the Ask Suicide Screening Questions [ASQ]). Patients ≥12 years old without any prior history of depression or self-harm were included.

Between 2019 and 2020, 803 patients completed both the PHQ-9A and ASQ screenings at a preventative visit. M…