Prophylactic Mental Health Screening in Primary Care: A Practical Approach
Work Type
Poster
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common and debilitating mental health disorders worldwide, currently affecting 8.3% of U.S. adults, a rate that jumps to an alarming 18.6% among young adults. Despite this growing crisis, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) estimates that nearly 50% of all Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) cases go completely undiagnosed in clinical practice. Primary care is the undeniable front line, managing nearly 70% of all mental health conditions. Current suspicion-based screening models heavily rely on subjective clinical suspicion. This inconsistent approach allows for the introduction of provider bias, overlooking vulnerable populations, and causes more standardize screening rates to stay significantly reduced at rates of 4.1-4.3%.
This project explores the critical need to transition toward preventative mental health screening of asymptomatic individuals, much like we universally screen for hypertension or diabetes. I chose to pursue this project for the goal of achieving true, equitable, whole person centered care including proactive versus reactive mental health care.
Publication Date
5-17-2026
Citation Information
Poduska, Ambrose, "Prophylactic Mental Health Screening in Primary Care: A Practical Approach" (2026). Student Works Physician Assistant. 54.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_pa/54
