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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Depression in Children and Adolescents: Screening

About this resource:

Systematic Review

Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Last Reviewed: February 2016

Workgroups: Mental Health and Mental Disorders Workgroup

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening adolescents ages 12 to 18 years for major depressive disorder (MDD). USPSTF notes that systems for screening should ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and correct follow-up. USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess whether the benefits of screening for MDD in children age 11 years or younger outweigh the harms.

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Objectives related to this resource (1)

Increase the proportion of adolescents with depression who get treatment — MHMD‑06
LHI label
Target met or exceeded

Suggested Citation

1.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2016). Final recommendation statement: depression in children and adolescents: screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/depression-in-children-and-adolescents-screening