Depression and anxiety screening in adults
Summary of the 2023 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Who it applies to
Adults aged 18 and older, including pregnant and postpartum people, who have no diagnosed mental health condition.
Depression
Screen all adults for depression (grade B). Screening should be paired with systems for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and follow-up. Common tools include the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9.
Anxiety
Screen adults aged 64 and younger for anxiety disorders, including pregnant and postpartum people (grade B). The evidence is insufficient for adults 65 and older (I statement). The GAD-7 is a commonly used tool.
Suicide risk
The evidence is insufficient to assess screening for suicide risk in adults who have no symptoms (I statement). Anyone in crisis in the United States can call or text 988.