There has been a good deal of news lately about mental health screenings. Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics urged doctors to regularly screen for mental health disorders in adolescents and children. Those of us in the mental health community welcomed this development, but I can understand why parents might question what it means.

I’d like to take some time, here and in the in the next couple of posts, to help answer that question.  Your pediatrician may offer a screening at your teen’s next annual checkup as a way to assess depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.   

 In the Doctor’s Office: When Teens Are Screened

 A mental health screen is a questionnaire, given on paper or via computer, that has been shown through research to be safe and effective in helping to determine whether a teen may have depression, another mental health problem, or is thinking about or has attempted suicide.  There are numerous mental health screens that have been evaluated for use in adolescents, with anywhere from two to 50 or more questions. 

Your teen will sit quietly answering questions that help assess how they’re doing and shed light on whether there is the possibility of depression, anxiety, substance abuse or another mental health problem.  Screens, however, are not diagnoses.  Like other medical screens, they only serve to give doctors a clue that something could be wrong and a reason to check further.  At The TeenScreen National Center we advocate a two-step process.  Once your youngster has finished taking the questionnaire, the physician reviews it.  If it is positive for a possible mental health condition — which happens approximately 10% of the time — he or she conducts an additional assessment. Our own research has found that this additional step is important, as it minimizes false-positives.   

 

In a large majority of cases, your teen will be fine.  If the doctor does identify a mental health concern then he or she will discuss the options for further evaluation and treatment with you.  You can then make an informed decision that’s best for your teen and your family.

 How Do Teens React to Screening?

In ways that may surprise you.

First, the majority of teens complete the questionnaire, regardless of how long, and they do not become upset or distressed. They respond well to being asked about their emotional and mental well-being, whether or not they have a problem. Many adolescents are eager to talk about their feelings and welcome the chance. Sometimes it’s easier opening up in a questionnaire or to a doctor instead of a parent. Often times, it’s just that no one ever asked. But they communicate what’s troubling them, and that’s beneficial. Second, the research shows that screening does not “put ideas” in a teen’s head about suicide.  If the thoughts are there, the screen will get them out in the open.  If they aren’t, the screen won’t put them there.

Teens who are depressed or anxious want to feel better.  They want help.  Mental health checkups can open the door to getting that help.