U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - Screening for Suicide

[Guest guest]

Summary of Recommendation

a.. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the

evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening by

primary care clinicians to detect suicide risk in the general population.

Rating: I Recommendation.

Rationale: The USPSTF found no evidence that screening for suicide risk

reduces suicide attempts or mortality. There is limited evidence on the

accuracy of screening tools to identify suicide risk in the primary care

setting, including tools to identify those at high risk (see Clinical

Considerations). The USPSTF found insufficient evidence that treatment of

those at high risk reduces suicide attempts or mortality. The USPSTF found

no studies that directly address the harms of screening and treatment for

suicide risk. As a result, the USPSTF could not determine the balance of

benefits and harms of screening for suicide risk in the primary care

setting.

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspssuic.htm

[Guest guest]

Summary of Recommendation

a.. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the

evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening by

primary care clinicians to detect suicide risk in the general population.

Rating: I Recommendation.

Rationale: The USPSTF found no evidence that screening for suicide risk

reduces suicide attempts or mortality. There is limited evidence on the

accuracy of screening tools to identify suicide risk in the primary care

setting, including tools to identify those at high risk (see Clinical

Considerations). The USPSTF found insufficient evidence that treatment of

those at high risk reduces suicide attempts or mortality. The USPSTF found

no studies that directly address the harms of screening and treatment for

suicide risk. As a result, the USPSTF could not determine the balance of

benefits and harms of screening for suicide risk in the primary care

setting.

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspssuic.htm