Early Detection of Depression and Prevention of Suicide (1990)

Home Guidelines (1979-2006) Early Detection of Depression and Prevention of Suicide (1990)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

  • There is fair evidence to exclude the use of depression detection tests from the periodic health examination of asymptomatic people. (class D recommendation)
  • There is poor evidence (on the bases of expert opinion alone) to support the inclusion of routine evaluation of suicide risk in or its exclusion from the periodic health examination. However, physicians should routinely evaluate the risk of suicide in high-risk groups, particularly if there is evidence of a psychiatric disorder, especially psychosis, depression, or substance abuse, or is the patient recently attempted suicide or a family member committed suicide. (class C recommendation)