Adolescent behavioral risk screening and use of health services

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2009 Nov;36(6):374-80. doi: 10.1007/s10488-009-0245-8.

Abstract

This study assessed whether primary care based computerized screening for substance use, mental health issues and suicidal thoughts affects subsequent use of medical and behavioral health care services in adolescents. Administrative claims data were used to determine service use 6 months after a visit where screening could have occurred. Controlling for previous service use, screened youths were more likely to have post screening use than those not screened. Among the screened patients, medical service use did not differ by screening result. However, behavioral service use was higher for screened youths who screened positive for depression or suicidal thoughts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / rehabilitation
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention
  • United States
  • Utilization Review / statistics & numerical data