Nancy Lapid

NEW YORK (Reuters). Children from 8 to 12 years should be screened by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for depression and anxiety.

This guidance is still being developed for health care providers and applies only to teens or children who do not show signs or symptoms.

Martha Kubik, a task force member from George Mason University, stated in a statement that the Task Force examined the evidence regarding screening for depression and anxiety in order to address the urgent need to support the mental health and well-being of adolescents and children in primary care. We found screening for depression and anxiety in older children is effective at identifying the conditions.

The statement stated that follow-up care could reduce the symptoms of depression, as well as improve and possibly resolve anxiety.

While undiagnosed mental issues among children are not new, some psychologists and doctors warn that this health crisis could have a devastating impact on children.

Experts have suggested that lockdowns and social distancing rules, mask wearing, as well as online schooling could all have adverse effects on children’s mental wellbeing.

USPSTF didn’t find sufficient evidence to decide whether screening children for anxiety or depression prior to age 8 and 12 would be beneficial, or whether they should screen for any suicide risk.

Lori Pbert of University of Massachusetts Medical School, Task Force member stated that it was crucial to do more research about these conditions. Healthcare professionals must use their medical judgment to determine whether they screen.

Public comment is allowed until May 9 on the drafts