New screening and treatment guidelines for adult and adolescent depression

Abstract

Almost 7% of U.S. adults have major depressive disorder. The leading cause of disability in high-income countries, depression is linked to higher mortality rates due to suicide and an inability to manage other health conditions. About 8% of adolescents have major depressive disorder, a precursor to recurrent bouts with the condition in adulthood. Depression at this age can affect schoolwork and relationships with family and peers and point to a greater risk for other mental health conditions and suicide later in life. The impact of depression on public health and individual quality of life prompted USPSTF earlier this year to release new recommendations on the screening of adults and adolescents for depression. In close succession to the new recommendations were new clinical guidelines on treatment of depression in adults and a warning about potential risks of antidepressants in adolescents. “The update to screening recommendations is a perfect opportunity for pharmacists to step up and identify people for further evaluation and treatment,” said Stephen Saklad, PharmD, BCPP, director of the psychiatric pharmacy program at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.