USPSTF officials have recommended that all adult patients receive depression screening.
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Jamie Barrand | Feb 2, 2016

USPSTF officials recommend depression screening for all adult primary care patients

Depression continues to be a major concern for people in the United States, so the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released a recommendation that all adults 18 and older that are being seen by primary care providers should be screened for depression.

The recommendation was assigned a grade B, meaning USPSTF officials felt "there is high certainty that the net benefit is moderate or there is moderate certainty that the net benefit is moderate to substantial."

"Depression is a serious condition that is common among patients seen in primary care," Dr. Michael Pignone, USPSTF member, said. "The task force recommends that primary care clinicians screen adult patients for depression."

Task force studies showed that the patients who were diagnosed by their primary care providers were more apt to adhere to prescribed treatments such as medications and psychotherapy -- and their symptoms were more likely to improve.

Task force members noted that certain types of patients are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. These demographics include women, younger and middle-age adults, patients who are not caucasian, under-educated people, widowed or divorced people and the unemployed.

Other types of patients likely to be diagnosed with depression include those suffering from chronic illnesses, pregnant women and older adults who are disabled or have other health issues.

More information on the recommendation can be found online at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

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