Measurement-Based Care for Depression in Youth: Practical Considerations for Selecting Measures to Assess Depression, Associated Features and Functioning

Despite the growing understanding of youth depression, there remains a need for a more precise diagnosis and more effective symptom management. In this article, the authors argue for the use of a variety of research-backed measurements and rating scales to assess depression. The use of these scales produces a more reliable diagnosis and allows healthcare providers to objectively track treatment progress. In addition to measuring depressive symptoms, rating scales can be used to assess related mental health features (e.g. anxiety) and other important outcomes (e.g. quality of life). For some families, completing a depression measure is the first time they hear language that describes their symptoms. This aids in the recognition of at-risk individuals and helps overcome stigma by normalizing discussion of mental health, ultimately leading to more equitable mental health care.