The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in which populations?

The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in which populations?

• A. Screen only pregnant and postpartum women
• B. Screen only older adults
• C. Screen all adults including pregnant/postpartum and older adults
• D. Screen only individuals with mood disorders

Answer: (C)

The key idea is universal screening: depression screening is recommended for adults across the lifespan, not just a targeted subset. The USPSTF supports screening all adults 18 and older, including pregnant and postpartum women, as long as there are adequate systems in place to diagnose, treat, and follow up. This means using validated tools (like PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) as part of routine primary care, with clear pathways for diagnostic assessment and treatment available if the screen is positive. Pregnant and postpartum women have a higher risk of depression, and identifying it early can improve outcomes for both mother and child, which is why perinatal depression screening is included in the universal approach. Older adults are at risk too, and depression can be overlooked as simply a part of aging; routine screening helps uncover treatable depression and connect individuals to care. So, screening all adults—including those who are pregnant or postpartum and older adults—fits the recommendation, rather than limiting screening to only certain groups or to those with known mood disorders.

The key idea is universal screening: depression screening is recommended for adults across the lifespan, not just a targeted subset. The USPSTF supports screening all adults 18 and older, including pregnant and postpartum women, as long as there are adequate systems in place to diagnose, treat, and follow up. This means using validated tools (like PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) as part of routine primary care, with clear pathways for diagnostic assessment and treatment available if the screen is positive.

Pregnant and postpartum women have a higher risk of depression, and identifying it early can improve outcomes for both mother and child, which is why perinatal depression screening is included in the universal approach. Older adults are at risk too, and depression can be overlooked as simply a part of aging; routine screening helps uncover treatable depression and connect individuals to care.

So, screening all adults—including those who are pregnant or postpartum and older adults—fits the recommendation, rather than limiting screening to only certain groups or to those with known mood disorders.