Leading U.S. Pediatricians released new guidelines to have individuals at age 11 screened for depression during their checkups and routine cholesterol testing beginning in middle school. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that doctors should also test older teens for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
These recommendations hope to address the health concerns currently affecting American families today. Children are developing high cholesterol – a risk factor for heart disease - at younger ages. Also, depression is linked to a higher risk of teen suicide and murder.
"One in five kids will, at some point in time, meet the criteria for depression," said Dr. Joseph Hagan, a professor in pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
Some of the most significant changes to the guidelines, published in Pediatrics, include:
Cholesterol screening between ages 9 and 11. All children, regardless of familial risk factors for heart disease or not, are advised to have their total and HDL (“good”) cholesterol checked once between the ages 9 and 11. Previous guidelines advised the first cholesterol test to be done between the ages 18 to 21.
Depression screening at ages 11 through 21. Children should be asked a series of questions regarding their moods. If depression seems likely after questions, the doctor should assess its severity and make the appropriate referral to a social worker or psychologist for further evaluation and treatment.
HIV screening between 16 and 18 years old. It is strongly advised that sexually active people ages 11 to 21 be screened of sexually transmitted infections. The earlier the STI is identified, the sooner essential treatment starts. "By diagnosing early, we can change the course of the disease," said Hagan.
Other suggestions were included in the guidelines like:
"Many of these changes were ones we anticipated," said Dr. Kristin Hannibal, clinic director of the Primary Care Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. "The major stumbling block is always how do we take these recommendations and implement them across the board."
Formalization of the recommendations will make it easier to obtain insurance reimbursement, Hannibal said.
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