The USPSTF now recommends screening adolescents for clinical depression when appropriate systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, psychotherapy and follow-up care. This applies to all adolescents 12 to 18 years of age. In a separate recommendation, the Task Force found insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening children 7 to 11 years of age for clinical depression. The recommendations and the accompanying summary of evidence appear in the April 2009 issue of Pediatrics.  The complete Task Force recommendation can be found at http://tiny.cc/lh603. Other clinical preventive services recommended for adolescents by the USPSTF include chlamydia screening and Pap smears for sexually active young women, screening for other STDs for high risk persons, screening and counseling for tobacco use, and immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

The National Partnership for Women and Families reports on the New York Times article examining the use of teen pregnancy prevention programs using technology, such as texting. For more information visit http://tiny.cc/4JjNL.