The prevalence of annual major depressive disorder (MDD) episodes among US adolescents rose from 8.3% in 2008 to 14.4% in 2018. From 2005 to 2014, a substantial increase in MDD episode trends was observed for all racial and ethnic groups. The US Preventive Services Task Force endorses universal adolescent MDD screening in primary care; however, most adolescents lack preventive health care, resulting in worsening disparities in MDD screening and treatment.
