What mental health screen is often recommended during adolescence?

• A. Depression screening (e.g., PHQ-A) and risk assessment
• B. Visual acuity testing
• C. Hearing screening
• D. Blood glucose testing

Answer: (A)

Screening for depression and assessing suicide risk is often recommended during adolescence. This is a time when depressive symptoms can emerge or worsen, and many youth may not volunteer these concerns without prompting. Using validated tools like the PHQ-A (the adolescent version of the PHQ-9) helps clinicians identify symptoms such as persistent sadness, anhedonia, sleep or appetite changes, and trouble concentrating. Pairing this with a structured risk assessment for suicidality—asking about thoughts of self-harm, plans, means, and intent—allows for immediate safety measures and appropriate referrals. Regular mental health screening in primary care or school-based settings supports early identification and treatment, which improves outcomes. The other options—visual acuity testing, hearing screening, and blood glucose testing—are important for physical health but do not address mental health concerns in adolescence.