April 13, 2022
Mental Health
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that children between the ages of 8 and 18 should be examined for anxiety and that minors between the ages of 12 and 18 should be screened for depressive disorder. However, the panel recommended against routine suicide screening for children and adolescents, saying more research is needed to assess if it could be harmful. Their recommendation conflicts with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to screen for youths ages 12 and up, citing rising instances of suicide and suicidal thoughts that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Statement here; Articles here and here)