USPSTF: Screen all adults under age 65 for anxiety

The central theses

• The United States Preventive Services Task Force released a draft advisory statement stating that all adults under the age of 65 should be screened for anxiety.
• The task force also called for more research on screening for anxiety in those aged 65 and over and screening for suicide risk.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has released a historic draft of a recommendation statement advocating the screening of adults under the age of 65 for anxiety.

In addition, the task force said it continues to recommend screening all adults for depression. According to a press release, both statements are B recommendations.

The USPSTF also considered the benefits and harms of screening for suicide risk in all adults, but there was insufficient evidence to make a recommendation (I statement).

“To address the critical need for primary care adult mental health support, the task force reviewed the evidence on screening for anxiety, depression and suicide risk,” said a member of the task force Lori PbertPh.D, a professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, deputy chief of the Department of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine and founder and director of the Center for Research and Education in Tobacco Treatment at UMass Chan Medical School, said in the release. “The good news is that screening all adults for depression, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, and screening adults under the age of 65 for anxiety can help identify these conditions early so that people with can be connected to care.”

Screening and treatment can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression in most adults, according to the press release, but “the task force recognizes that screening is only the first step in helping adults with anxiety and depression.”

The USPSTF noted that once diagnosed, healthcare providers should help patients find the best treatment for them and continue to monitor their well-being to ensure treatment effectiveness.

The recommendations apply only to those who do not exhibit signs and symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to the press release, and “it is important that healthcare professionals contact any person who reports concerns about anxiety, depression or suicide, or who reports symptoms of any prerequisites for one.” appropriate care.”

In addition, the USPSTF stated that there is not yet enough evidence to recommend anxiety screening in people over the age of 65 and that more research on the role of screening for suicide risk is urgently needed.

“The task force takes care of people’s mental health nationwide. Unfortunately, the evidence on screening adults 65 and older for anxiety and screening all adults for suicide risk is limited, so we urgently call for more research,” said a member of the task force Gbenga OgedegbeMD, MPH, said the inaugural and founding director of the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity at NYU Langone Health in the press release. “In the absence of evidence, healthcare professionals should use their judgment based on the individual circumstances of the patient when deciding whether or not to undergo screening.”

The Statement of Recommendation has been opened for public comment to be submitted here from September 20th to October 17th.