USPSTF: Screen All Adults For Depression

All adults, including pregnant and postpartum women, should be screened for depression, according to a new guideline from the United States preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

The recommendations update the group’s 2009 guidelines, which did not address pregnant and postpartum women specifically.
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After reviewing current evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for depression in the general adult population, they found “convincing evidence that screening improves the accurate identification of adult patients with depression in primary care settings, including pregnant and postpartum women.”

They also found convincing evidence that screening, in combination with adequate support systems and treatment with antidepressants or psychotherapy, improve clinical outcomes and decrease clinical morbidity, and adequate evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy can improve clinical outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women.

“The USPSTF concludes with at least moderate certainty that there is a moderate net benefit to screening for depression in adults, including older adults, who receive care in clinical practices that have adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up after screening,” they concluded.

“The USPSTF also concludes with at least moderate certainty that there is a moderate net benefit to screening for depression in pregnant and postpartum women who receive care in clinical practices that have CBT or other evidence-based counseling available after screening.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Siu AL. Screening for depression in adults: US preventive services task force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2016;315(4):380-387.