Unexamined assumptions and unintended consequences of routine screening for depression

Cosgrove et al discuss several assumptions about the screening programs for depression and the potential unintended consequences of the routine screening. Among the assumptions and unintended consequences include the condition's worse health outcomes without early treatment, patients will not be identified and treated in the absence of screening, and misuse of resources. The argue that depression screening can lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment that is why cautionary approach is needed before importing the practice into the realm of health problems.