Screening Teens for Depression

March 31 - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a federal advisory group, yesterday advised that all young people ages 12 to 18 be screened by their doctors for depression, provided systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment including psychotherapy, and follow-up. The statement, published in the journal Pediatrics, added that there is not enough evidence to recommend depression screening in younger children.

A report released last month by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine said that screening can be helpful for targeting interventions to young people at risk for mental illness, but added that certain criteria should be met before screening programs are implemented. For example, if young people are screened, there should be an effective intervention available to address the risks or early symptoms.  Parents should be given detailed information about the purpose and methods of screening, and the wishes of those who don't want their children included in a program should be respected.

The report, "Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities", also concluded that these disorders cost the U.S. about $247 billion annually and that there are many interventions that have been shown to be effective at preventing them. It recommended a stronger federal effort to broaden the use of effective programs.