The panel's report found that "major depression affects more than five percent of teens and is linked with suicide, substance abuse, and other serious problems." Still, adolescent depression "often goes undiagnosed and untreated."

The guidelines recommend that screening for adolescent depression "should be for everyone, not just clearly troubled kids," and "should be repeated occasionally," perhaps even "once a year." If screening indicates a problem, physicians "should speak with the teen to find out more, assess any immediate danger, and plan next steps -- including a conversation with parents."

At-risk teens "should then get a full diagnostic work-up and follow-up care -- which might include tests for physical problems and referrals to mental-health professionals, who might then provide psychotherapy, with or without medication."