The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a statement in March, 2009, recommending screening and treatment for depression in adolescents, updating a previous U.S. recommendation released in 2002 to include screening of adolescents 12-18 years of age.

A summary of the recommendations is as follows:
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.

Read the TeenScreen National Center’s press release about the USPSTF’s recommendations.

Read an article in the U.S. News and World Report about the USPSTF recommendations.

Access the USPSTF’s web site for additional information.