Which tool is designed to assess risk behaviors that contribute to most morbidity, mortality, and social problems in teens?

Which tool is designed to assess risk behaviors that contribute to most morbidity, mortality, and social problems in teens?

• A. PHQ-2
• B. RAAPS
• C. CRAFFT
• D. HEEADSSS

Answer: (B)

Focusing on broad screening for teen risk behaviors that drive most health problems requires a tool that quickly covers multiple domains in a preventive visit. The Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services is designed exactly for this purpose: a concise screen that flags risk behaviors across areas like substance use, sexual activity, violence, mental health, and other safety concerns so clinicians can intervene or refer as needed. The other tools are more specific in scope. A depression screen targets mood symptoms, not overall risk behaviors. A substance-use screening like CRAFFT zeroes in on drug and alcohol-related risks rather than the full range of behaviors linked to morbidity and mortality. HEEADSSS is a comprehensive psychosocial interview framework used to guide history-taking, but it isn’t a single rapid screening instrument for the full spectrum of teen risk behaviors. RAAPS’ breadth and rapid administration make it the best fit for identifying the behaviors most associated with adverse health outcomes in adolescents.

Focusing on broad screening for teen risk behaviors that drive most health problems requires a tool that quickly covers multiple domains in a preventive visit. The Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services is designed exactly for this purpose: a concise screen that flags risk behaviors across areas like substance use, sexual activity, violence, mental health, and other safety concerns so clinicians can intervene or refer as needed.

The other tools are more specific in scope. A depression screen targets mood symptoms, not overall risk behaviors. A substance-use screening like CRAFFT zeroes in on drug and alcohol-related risks rather than the full range of behaviors linked to morbidity and mortality. HEEADSSS is a comprehensive psychosocial interview framework used to guide history-taking, but it isn’t a single rapid screening instrument for the full spectrum of teen risk behaviors. RAAPS’ breadth and rapid administration make it the best fit for identifying the behaviors most associated with adverse health outcomes in adolescents.