In recent years, children’s mental health has deteriorated, and anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders in children. On the 12th local time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a report recommending that all children between the ages of 8 and 18 should be screened for anxiety disorders. According to foreign media reports, the draft will be open for public comment and is likely to be finalized later this year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 7 percent of children ages 3 to 17 are Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, nearly one-third of teens meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association of Pediatrics found that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children diagnosed with anxiety and depression increased significantly, as did the emotional well-being of caregivers.
Children’s psychologist Stephen P. H. Whiteside, chief of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Unit at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA Anxiety screening is very important, he said: “Most children who need mental health care don’t know they are sick. Those with obvious anxiety behaviors are in need of psychological intervention, but those without symptoms are easily overlooked. .”
In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen patients for anxiety regardless of whether they detect symptoms or signs of anxiety. “The most important thing is to be able to intervene before a patient’s life is affected,” said task force member Martha Kubik, a professor at George Mason University’s School of Nursing. Ideally, Dr. Kubik said In this case, children can be screened for anxiety disorders during their annual health check-ups. Studies have shown that several different surveys and questionnaires can effectively detect anxiety in patients before they show obvious signs and symptoms.
Anxiety disorders in children are known to increase the risk of depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and substance abuse later in life. In addition to screening children 8 to 18 for anxiety disorders, the panel recommends screening for depression and suicide risk in children 12 and older. Data previously showed suicide was the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 19.
“We need to focus on the mental health needs of children, youth and adolescents in this country, and we need to Advocate better ways of mental health care.”
Jiupai news intern reporter Chen Mengting