Screen teens for depression--it's quicker than you think

Abstract

The US Preventive Services Task Force (The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening all adolescents for depression -- provided that effective treatments and counseling are available for those who need it. Nearly all primary care clinicians agree that it is important to screen for adolescent depression, yet many feel hindered by both a lack of training and time constraints. The study by Richardson et al shows that targeted screening can be effective, even when time is tight. Stength of recommendation: B: Based on a single cohort study against gold standard; consistent with studies in other populations.