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Major Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Release Date: March 2009
This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for depression in children and adolescents.
Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents
| This recommendation updates the USPSTF's 2002 recommendation on Screening for Depression with respect to children and adolescents. Go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaddepr.htm to view the updated recommendation for adults. |
Summary of Recommendations
- The USPSTF recommends screening of adolescents (12-18 years of age) for major depressive disorder (MDD) when systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal), and follow-up.
Grade: B recommendation. - The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening of children (7-11 years of age).
Grade: I statement.
Supporting Documents
Screening for Major Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents, March 2009
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 180 KB; PDF Help)
Article (PDF File, 240 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 3 MB; PDF Help)
Clinical Summary (PDF File, 54 KB; PDF Help)
Current as of March 2009
Internet Citation:
Screening for Major Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents, Topic Page. March 2009. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspschdepr.htm
USPSTF Program Office |
