For which age group is major depressive disorder (MDD) screening recommended by the USPSTF?

For which age group is major depressive disorder (MDD) screening recommended by the USPSTF?

• A. Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years
• B. Children under 12 years
• C. Adults over 65 years
• D. All adults 18 years and older

Answer: (A)

Screening for major depressive disorder is recommended when there is a system in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up. For adolescents, there is a clear USPSTF recommendation to screen in primary care settings for those aged 12 to 18 years, because evidence shows that identifying depression in this age group can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes, provided the care pathway is available. For younger children, the evidence isn’t sufficient to support routine screening in the general population. For adults, there is also a separate, ongoing recommendation for routine screening in adults 18 and older, but the question here points to the adolescent-specific endorsement, making the 12-to-18-year-old group the best fit.

Screening for major depressive disorder is recommended when there is a system in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up. For adolescents, there is a clear USPSTF recommendation to screen in primary care settings for those aged 12 to 18 years, because evidence shows that identifying depression in this age group can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes, provided the care pathway is available.

For younger children, the evidence isn’t sufficient to support routine screening in the general population. For adults, there is also a separate, ongoing recommendation for routine screening in adults 18 and older, but the question here points to the adolescent-specific endorsement, making the 12-to-18-year-old group the best fit.