Depression

The AAFP recommends screening adults for depression when staff-assisted depression care supports are in place to assure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and follow-up.

"Staff-assisted depression care supports" refers to clinical staff that assist the primary care clinician by providing some direct depression care and/or coordination, case management, or mental health treatment. (2010)

(Grade: B recommendation)
Grade Definition: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/grades.htm
Clinical Consideration: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaddepr.htm

The AAFP recommends against routinely screening adults for depression when staff-assisted depression care supports are not place. There may be considerations that support screening for depression in an individual patient.

"Staff-assisted depression care supports" refers to clinical staff that assist the primary care clinician by providing some direct depression care and/or coordination, case management, or mental health treatment. (2010)

(Grade: C recommendation)
Grade Definition: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/grades.htm
Clinical Consideration: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaddepr.htm

The AAFP 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. (2009)

(Grade: B statement)
Grade Definition: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/grades.htm
Clinical Considerations: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspschdepr.htm

The AAFP concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening of children (7-11 years of age). (2009)

(Grade: I statement)
Grade Definition: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/grades.htm
Clinical Considerations: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspschdepr.htm