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

Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents: Screening

About this resource:

Systematic Review

Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Last Reviewed: October 2022

Workgroups: Mental Health and Mental Disorders Workgroup, Adolescent Health Workgroup

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents ages 12 to 18 years and who are not showing recognized signs or symptoms of depression. Depression is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Children and adolescents with depression often have functional impairments in their performance at school or work, as well as in their interactions with their families and peers. Depression can negatively affect development in affected youth. USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess whether the benefits outweigh the harms in screening for MDD in children age 11 years and younger — and screening for suicide risk in children and adolescents.

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Objectives related to this resource (3)

Increase the proportion of children and adolescents who get appropriate treatment for anxiety or depression — EMC‑D04
Developmental
Increase the proportion of adolescents with depression who get treatment — MHMD‑06
LHI label
Target met or exceeded
Increase the proportion of primary care visits where adolescents and adults are screened for depression — MHMD‑08
Little or no detectable change

Suggested Citation

1.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-depression-suicide-risk-children-adolescents.