How often does the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend screening older patients for depression?

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that older adults be screened for depression annually to ensure early detection and treatment. This recommendation is based on evidence that regular screening can effectively identify depression, which is often underdiagnosed in this age group due to the mistaken belief that it is a normal part of aging. An annual screening helps healthcare providers monitor mental health consistently, fostering timely interventions that can lead to better health outcomes.

While screening at each visit might seem thorough, it could overwhelm both healthcare providers and patients, making it impractical. Screening only if symptoms exist would miss cases of depression that may not present obvious signs, as some older individuals might not report their feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Screening only high-risk patients also fails to address the significant proportion of older adults who may develop depression without a prior history or identified risk factors. Thus, the annual screening provides a balanced approach that accommodates the widespread yet often hidden nature of depression in older populations.