Screening for Depression in Pediatric Primary Care

Purpose of Review To review the clinical practice guideline landscape for depression screening in pediatric primary care and to identify current gaps in knowledge. Recent Findings Various organizations have recommendations that support screening for depression in pediatric primary care, although some differ based on the age of the child. To date, guidelines have been made based on indirect evidence of efficacy. For example, indirect evidence shows that several screening tools exist for use in primary care, and various primary care-administered or referred treatments for childhood depression have some evidence of efficacy (particularly among adolescents). In addition to determining the applicability of this evidence to younger children, more research is needed on the direct net benefits of screening and to identify factors that facilitate its effective implementation. Summary Indirect evidence supports the benefits of screening for depression in pediatric primary care; most organizations that publish screening guidelines recommend its use.