Task Force Urges Doctors to Screen All Adults for Depression

AP ^ | 1/26/2016 | Lauren NeerGaard

[EBH]

All adults, including pregnant women and new mothers, should be screened for depression as a routine part of health care, a government advisory group recommended Tuesday.

Depression is a common public health problem, and screening simply involves health workers asking about certain symptoms even if patients don't mention them.

The second part of the recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is more difficult — ensuring systems are in place to properly diagnose and treat people identified through screening.

And the guideline, published by the Journal for the American Medical Association, couldn't determine how often adults should be screened.

Some things to know about depression:

DEPRESSION IS MORE THAN NORMAL SADNESS

Officially called major depressive disorder, depression interferes with people's ability to function in their daily lives and can even lead to suicide. Nearly 7 percent of U.S. adults experience a depressive episode each year, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, feeling hopeless, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping and loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities. People sometimes also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or back pain, which can confuse diagnosis.

NO SINGLE CAUSE

Depression can affect anyone, and there are multiple risk factors. A personal crisis, such as loss of a loved one, sometimes precedes depression, but it also can occur without any obvious trigger. Depression and other mood disorders tend to run in families, and depression frequently accompanies serious physical disorders...

WHY SCREEN?

Depression can go unrecognized, especially if patients don't seek a diagnosis... ..A variety of screening questionnaires are available, such as one that asks how often, over the last two weeks, patients have felt bad about themselves or felt like they're a failure, had little interest in doing things or experienced problems sleeping, sleeping or concentrating.

[I want the USA back]

“Doctor, I’ve been sad ever since my beloved Bowser died”.
“Just a minute, while I make a phone call.”
“Hello, I have a patient who’s depressed. He said he has guns. Guess you’re gonna have to take them away.”

[Trailerpark Badass]

Of course, refusal to participate will be an indicator.

[DungeonMaster]

Chipping away at your liberty via socialized medicine.

[Ken H]

This may from the New Freedom Mental Health program that GWB signed into law... the asshat.

[duffee]

Screen all for depression and then with a doctor’s statement deprive a citizen of Second Amendment Rights. The doctors would probably be given a profile of those who are likely to be depressed and most of those won’t actually have but two symptoms, conservatism and firearm ownership.

[fella]

"I bet they include a provision that refusing to take a test for depression is a sign of depression."

Catch 22?

[JoeFromSidney]

A while back when I was in the hospital for surgery, a social worker came around to question me. When she asked if I felt safe at home, I said, yes, if anyone comes in to rob me I'll shoot them. I don't think she expected that answer.

[Disambiguator]

The pharmaceutical companies will love this, too. Heck, they're probably sponsoring it. Another way to get more people taking their pills and potions.

I've found that exercise is a very good way to keep mentally upbeat. I like cycling (the only downside is dealing with the occasional knucklehead driver). That, and an occasional after-ride libation, and I'm all set.

:^)

[subterfuge]

I’ve lied to my doctor for years. Of course he retired when obamashitcare became reality.

[dearolddad]

“Never let a crisis go to waste”

[sheik yerbouty]

Name,rank, and serial number. Nothing more..