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Screening for Depression in Adults
Release Date: December 2009
This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for depression in adults.
Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents
This is an update to the May 2002 recommendations on screening for depression in adults. This recommendation was also updated in part for children and adolescents. Go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspschdepr.htm to view the new recommendation for children and adolescents, published in March 2009. |
Summary of Recommendations
- The USPSTF recommends screening adults for depression when staff-assisted depression care supports are in place to assure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and follow-up.
Grade: B recommendation. - The USPTF recommends against routinely screening adults for depression when staff-assisted depression care supports are not in place. There may be considerations that support screening for depression in an individual patient.
Grade: C recommendation.
Supporting Documents
Screening for Depression in Adults, December 2009
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 450 KB; PDF Help)
Supporting Article (PDF File, 210 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 2.3 MB; PDF Help)
Clinical Summary (PDF File, 50 KB; PDF Help)
Current as of December 2009
Internet Citation:
Screening for Depression in Adults, Topic Page. December 2009. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaddepr.htm