There is not enough evidence to support suicide screening for all teens and adults, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

The Task Force posted a final evidence report and draft recommendation statement after analyzing existing research and discovering that there is insufficient data to recommend screening to everyone.

It is important to note, that while it is true the USPSTF panel said that there was not enough evidence to recommend screening, it also found that there was not enough evidence to recommend against screening.

The new statement concerns people without a current mental health disorder or a history of mental illness, the experts said.

However, it is critical to find ways to prevent people who commit or attempt suicide from suffering as well as to prevent suffering among the families and friends that they may leave behind, the authors pointed out.

Task Force member Dr. David Grossman said:

“Unfortunately, at this time we don’t know if asking everyone who visits their doctor or nurse about their risk factors for suicide leads to fewer suicides and suicide attempts.”

All adolescents and adults should continue to receive screening for depression, according to the Task Force. Studies have demonstrated that screening for depression combined with treatment is successful in helping patients.

It is necessary to screen people with symptoms of depression or other mental health issues for suicide risk, the authors pointed out. A report from last year indicated that depressed patients should be regularly evaluated for their risk of suicide.

“For these individuals, having clinicians ask about suicidal thoughts should be part of managing their disease,” Grossman said.

Suicide is a serious public health concern in the United Sates, with more than 37,000 Americans dying from suicide every year. A report from January of this year showed that the suicide rate in the U.K. significantly increased in 2011, reaching an all time high since 2004, according to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics.

Men and older adults in most ethnic groups experience the greatest risk of suicide, and among adolescents, Hispanic girls and American Indian/Alaskan Natives experience an increased risk.

Grossman concluded:

“The task force calls on the research community to prioritize studies to develop screening tools that can better identify people without symptoms who are at risk for suicide and to create effective support and treatment programs for people with risk factors for suicide.

We know that many people who attempt suicide have visited a health care professional within a month before their attempt. This means that we have a real opportunity to help if we find better tools.”

The Task Force website provides the draft recommendation statement and will be open for the public to comment on until the 20th of May.

Written by Sarah Glynn