Screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care: U.S. preventive services task force recommendation statement

Abstract

Update of the 2004 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for suicide risk. Methods: The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the accuracy and reliability of instruments used to screen for increased suicide risk, benefits and harms of screening for increased suicide risk, and benefits and harms of treatments to prevent suicide. Population: This recommendation applies to adolescents, adults, and older adults in the general population who do not have an identified psychiatric disorder. Recommendation: The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and older adults in a primary care setting. (I statement). © 2014 American College of Physicians.