Association of depression screening with diagnostic and treatment-related outcomes among youth

Background and ObjectivesThe goals of depression screening, which is universally recommended in primary care settings in the U.S., are to identify adolescents with depression and connect them to treatment. However, little is known about how depression screening affects the likelihood of being diagnosed with a mental disorder or accessing mental health care over time. MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study used insurance claims data from 57,732 adolescents who had at least one routine well-visit between 2014 and 2017. Using propensity score matching, we compared adolescents who were screened for depression to similar adolescents who were not screened for depression during the well-visit. Diagnostic and treatment-related outcomes were examined over 6-month follow-up and included depression diagnoses, mood-related diagnoses, antidepressant prescriptions, any mental health-related prescriptions, and psychotherapy. We also examined heterogeneity of associations by sex. ResultsCompared to adolescents who were not screened for depression, adolescents screened for depression were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with depression (RR=1.30, 95% CI=1.11-1.52) and 17% more likely to receive a mood-related diagnosis (RR=1.17, 95% CI=1.08-1.27), but were not more likely to be treated with an antidepressant prescription (RR=1.11, 95% CI=0.82-1.51), any mental health prescription (RR=1.15, 95% CI=0.87-1.53), or psychotherapy (RR=1.13, 95% CI=0.98-1.31). In general, associations were stronger among females. ConclusionsAdolescents who were screened for depression during a well-visit were more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression or a mood-related disorder in the six months following screening. Future research should explore methods for increasing access to treatment and treatment uptake following screening. Clinical Trial Registration (if any)N/A Table of Contents SummaryInsurance claims data were used to explore associations between depression screening during routine well-visits and depression diagnoses, psychiatric prescriptions, and psychotherapy among adolescents. Whats Known on This SubjectDepression screening is increasingly viewed as a key strategy for addressing depression among adolescents. To inform clinical guidelines, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has called for research to examine the diagnostic and treatment-related outcomes of depression screening. What This Study AddsIn a sample of 57,732 adolescents, adolescents who were screened for depression during a well-visit were more likely to receive a depression or mood-related diagnosis over 6-month follow-up, but were not more likely to be treated with medication or psychotherapy.