Depression screening: who needs it, when and how often

When it starts, when it can stop

Starts: At 18. (USPSTF, 2023)
Can stop: The USPSTF sets no upper age limit. The grade B includes older adults. (USPSTF, 2023)

Who it is for

Adults, including pregnant and postpartum persons and older adults. (USPSTF, 2023)

Test and how often

There is no set interval. The USPSTF suggests screening adults who have not been screened before, then using clinical judgment about repeat screening. (USPSTF, 2023)
Screening only helps when people who screen positive get a full evaluation and care. (USPSTF, 2023)

If you need help now

If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, in the US you can call, text or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor any time, day or night: call or text 988. (988 Lifeline)

Depression screening by age

Depression screening by age: USPSTF 2022 (children and teens) and 2023 (adults)
Who	Grade	What it means
Children 11 and younger	I (2022)	Evidence not enough to weigh screening
Teens 12 to 18	B (2022)	Screen for major depressive disorder
Adults, including pregnant and postpartum people	B (2023)	Screen
Adults 65 and older	B (2023)	Screen; no upper age limit
Suicide risk, children, teens and adults	I (2022, 2023)	Evidence not enough to weigh screening

For adults the USPSTF found little evidence on timing. It suggests screening adults who have not been screened before, then using risk factors, other health conditions and life events to decide whether to screen again. (USPSTF, 2023)

For teens it found no evidence on intervals, and says repeat screening may be most useful for teens with risk factors. (USPSTF, 2022)

A questionnaire is not a diagnosis. The USPSTF says people who screen positive should be evaluated further and, if needed, offered care. Talk to your doctor about your result. (USPSTF, 2023)

Where the USPSTF draws the line

Grade C means a small net benefit, so it is offered to some people; D means do not screen; I means the evidence is not enough to decide. (USPSTF grade definitions)

Grade I: the evidence is not enough to weigh screening adults for suicide risk. (USPSTF, 2023)

Questions people ask

At what age does depression screening start?

At 12. The USPSTF recommends screening teens 12 to 18 for major depressive disorder (grade B, 2022) and all adults, with no upper age limit (grade B, 2023). For children 11 and younger it found the evidence insufficient. (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2023)

Are pregnant and postpartum people screened for depression?

Yes. The 2023 adult recommendation names pregnant and postpartum people as well as older adults. (USPSTF, 2023)

How often should you be screened for depression?

The USPSTF sets no interval. It suggests screening adults who have not been screened before, and screening again when risk factors, health conditions or life events call for it. Ask your doctor. (USPSTF, 2023)

Does the USPSTF recommend screening for suicide risk?

It found the evidence insufficient to weigh the benefits and harms in adults (2023) and in children and teens (2022). That is not advice against asking. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 now. (USPSTF, 2023) (USPSTF, 2022) (988 Lifeline)

Source

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, "Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: Screening", final recommendation released June 20, 2023. Read it on uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Checked against the live page on 2026-10-28.