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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Screening

About this resource:

Systematic Review

Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Last Reviewed: October 2022

Workgroups: Mental Health and Mental Disorders Workgroup, Adolescent Health Workgroup

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for anxiety in children and adolescents ages 8 to 18 years and who are not showing recognized signs or symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is a common mental health condition. Anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescents are associated with increased likelihood of a future anxiety disorder or depression. USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess whether the benefits outweigh the harms in screening for anxiety in children age 7 years and younger.

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Objectives related to this resource (3)

Increase the proportion of children and adolescents who get appropriate treatment for anxiety or depression — EMC‑D04
Developmental
Reduce bullying of lesbian, gay, or bisexual high school students — LGBT‑05
Baseline only
Reduce the proportion of children and adolescents with obesity — NWS‑04
LHI label
Little or no detectable change

Suggested Citation

1.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-anxiety-children-adolescents.