The Reference U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Opens New
Window recommends that all people, starting at age 12, be
screened for Reference depression Opens New Window.Reference 1,
Reference 2 Screening for depression helps find depression
early. And early treatment may help you get better faster.
Depression is a disease. It's not caused by personal weakness
and is not a character flaw. When you have depression, chemicals
in your brain called neurotransmitters are out of balance.
Depression causes adults and children to feel sad and hopeless
much of the time. It's different from normal feelings of
sadness, grief, or low energy. Always tell your doctor if you
feel sad or have other symptoms of depression. Many times,
people are embarrassed by these feelings and say nothing.
Depression can be treated, and the sooner you get treatment, the
better your chance for a quick and full recovery. Untreated
depression can get worse, cause other health problems, and may
last for years or even a lifetime. It can have a se