INTRODUCTION

Adolescent depression screening is recommended starting at age 12 years, but younger children experience depression as well. Our objective was to determine whether screening for depression at age 11 years yields similar results to screening at age 12 years.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1000 11- and 12-year-olds in multiple pediatric offices of a large-group practice associated with a health maintenance organization in Southern California. All offices used a multistage depression screening process during well-child visits using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents, the global depression inquiry within a parent questionnaire, a chart-based review of mental health history, and brief patient/parent interview informed by the first 3 elements.

RESULTS

The 11- and 12-year-old cohorts had similar completion rates for the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (99.2% vs 97.8%, P = 0.06), with similar mean total Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents scores (2.12 vs 2.22, P = 0.48). There was no significant difference for positive screenings determined by the pediatrician (12.0% vs 16.0%, P = 0.07), but parents of 12-year-olds were more likely have concerns for their child's mood (6.8% vs 10.5%, P = 0.04). There were similar percentages of referrals (6.2% vs 8.8%, P = 0.12), beneficial conversations related to depression and anxiety, (4.5% vs 4.8%, P = 0.85), and new mental health diagnoses (2.0% vs 2.3%, P = 0.79).

DISCUSSION

The process, results, and outcomes of screenings are similar for 11- and 12-year-olds, with a tendency toward more positive findings in 12-year-olds.

CONCLUSION

Multistage depression screening in 11-year-olds can be applied successfully in clinical practice, with most cases identifying youths without a prior mental health diagnosis.