Depression in Children: Screening

1. More randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed on the benefits and harms of screening for and treatment of MDD in children 11 years or younger.
2. Large, good-quality RCTs are needed to better understand the overarching effects of screening for MDD on long-term health outcomes.
3. More research is needed in child and adolescent populations that are similar to those found in primary care settings to study the effects of comorbid conditions on screening accuracy, type of MDD treatment selected, and benefits and harms.
4. More research is needed on collaborative care and integrated behavioral health in children and adolescents.
5. More research is needed on screening and treatment in populations defined by sex, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) in children 11 years or younger.

Depression in Children: Screening Read full statement