HealthDay News — The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends depression screening in the general adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the January 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Albert L. Siu, MD, MSPH, from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues from the USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for depression in adult populations, including older adults and pregnant and postpartum women. They also examined the accuracy of depression screening instruments and the potential benefits and harms of depression treatment.

The researchers found that screening improves the accurate identification of adult patients with depression, including pregnant and postpartum women. As a result, they recommend screening for depression in the adult population (aged 18 years and older), including pregnant and postpartum women. In order to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up, screening should be implemented with adequate systems in place (B recommendation).

“Depression is a serious condition that is common among patients seen in primary care,” USPSTF member Michael P. Pignone, MD, MPH, said in a statement. “The Task Force recommends that primary care clinicians screen adult patients for depression.”

Recommendation Statement

Evidence Review

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