She explains, “Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States”.
Advertisement
Another doctor not involved in the proposal also sounded off on the importance of screening women, as treating mothers diagnosed with depression could have a positive, and significant effect on their children.
A previous recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2009 stated that adults should be screened in doctors offices “when staff-assisted depression care supports are in place, and selective screening based on professional judgment and patient preferences when such support is not available”. The said recommendations should be equipped with sufficient and appropriate systems to guarantee that diagnostic processes, accurate treatment and adequate follow-up checks are well achieved. “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”.
Under the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, grade A and B recommendations from the USPSTF are covered without cost to the patients.
In addition, the draft calls out pregnant and postpartum women for screening.
Add to that the fact that the disorder accounts for more than 8 million ambulatory care visits(www.cdc.gov) each year and costs the nation upwards of 0 billion(www.psychiatrist.com) annually (i.e., direct medical, suicide-related mortality and indirect workplace costs), and it’s clear that detecting depression early and securing treatment are critical public health goals.
“The perinatal period, in which women regularly visit their obstetrician-gynecologists, provides an opportunity for physicians to conduct routine screening for depression, but this screening remains important through a woman’s life”.
The AAFP is reviewing the USPSTF’s draft recommendation and will update its own recommendation after the task force publishes its final recommendation statement.
Overall, research regarding the benefits of screening was convincing, said the USPSTF, comprising numerous good- and fair-quality studies among each of the various subpopulations considered.
Advertisement
No conflicts of interest for USPSTF members were reported.
