Depression screening is recommended for which groups?

• A. Adolescents
• B. Children under 12
• C. Adults, pregnant, and postpartum women
• D. Healthcare providers

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that routine depression screening is advised for adults, including those who are pregnant or postpartum, because these groups are commonly seen in primary care and there are validated tools to flag potential depression for further evaluation and treatment. Screening pregnant and postpartum women is emphasized because mood disorders during and after pregnancy can affect both mother and baby, and early detection leads to timely support and better outcomes. Routine screening for younger children isn’t generally recommended in standard guidelines, since depressive symptoms can be harder to distinguish from normal development and require different assessment approaches. Screening isn’t aimed at a professional group like healthcare workers themselves; it’s about identifying patients in care who may have depression.