Screening for Depression in Adults

From the USPSTF and the JAMA Network. Learn more.

In 2016, the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations for screening for depression in adults.

  • The Task Force recommends screening for depression in the general adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women.
  • The recommendation gets a B rating, meaning there is high certainty that the net benefit is moderate, or moderate certainty that the net benefit is moderate to substantial.
  • Screening should be implemented with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.

Related Multimedia

The JAMA Report: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Updates Recommendations for Depression Screening in Adults

Author Interview: Dr. Michael Pignone on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations for Depression Screening in Adults

Recent JAMA Network Depression Articles

Shared Decision Making for Antidepressants in Primary Care: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Annie LeBlanc and Coauthors

JAMA Internal Medicine | Original Investigation, November 2015

The Role of Decision Aids in Depression Care

Kurt Kroenke

JAMA Internal Medicine | Invited Commentary, November 2015

Antidepressant Response Trajectories and Associated Clinical Prognostic Factors Among Older Adults

Stephen F. Smagula and Coauthors

JAMA Psychiatry | Original Investigation, October 2015

Adjusting Antidepressant Quality Measures for Race and Ethnicity

Gregory E. Simon and Coauthors

JAMA Psychiatry | Research Letter, October 2015

Exercise for Depression

Gary Cooney and Coauthors

JAMA | JAMA Clinical Evidence Synopsis, June 18, 2014

Onset Timing, Thoughts of Self-harm, and Diagnoses in Postpartum Women With Screen-Positive Depression Findings

Katherine L. Wisner and Coauthors

JAMA Psychiatry | Original Investigation, May 2013

Older Adults With Severe, Treatment-Resistant Depression

Jürgen Unützer and Coauthors

JAMA | Care of the Aging Patient: From Evidence to Action, September 5, 2012

Read more about depression from the JAMA Network