Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents: Consumer Guide [downloadable]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severe form of depression that lasts longer than two weeks and interferes with a person’s ability to function at home, at school, and interact with friends and family.

In February 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that physicians routinely screen children between 12 and 18 for major depressive disorder (MDD) “with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.”

A PDF version of the full recommendation may be downloaded here. The Task Force also developed a consumer guide with facts about depression and MDD, screening, and treatment. The consumer guide may be downloaded here.

A downloadable evidence document provides more detail about the studies the Task Force reviewed before making its recommendation.

Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30 minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert.
We invite you to call or email our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or careteam@testing.chconline.org to set up an initial Parent Consultation appointment.