The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft recommendation on screening for depression in adults. In the recommendation, the task force concluded all adults over age 18, including pregnant and postpartum women, should be screened for depression in a primary care setting with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and appropriate follow-up, according to a news release. The task force is providing an opportunity for public comment on its recommendation statement and the draft evidence review until Aug. 24.

“Depression is not only common, it is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States,” Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, the task force’s vice-chairwoman said in the release. “The task force’s recommendation for all adults to be screened by their primary care physician will help to identify depression and connect patients with the treatment and support they need.”

In reviewing the evidence, the group found people who were identified through screening and treated for depression with antidepressants, psychotherapy or both showed improvement in depression symptoms and outcomes. The USPSTF also found adequate evidence that treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy improves clinical outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women with depression, according to the recommendation statement.

The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services and preventive medications, according to the recommendation statement. Recommendations are made based on the evidence of both the benefits and harms of the service, and an assessment of the balance. The USPSTF does not consider the costs of providing a service in this assessment.

The draft recommendation statement has been posted for public comment on the USPSTF website.

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