Kids Over the Age of 8 Should Be Screened for Anxiety, US Task Force Recommends

Kids Over the Age of 8 Should Be Screened for Anxiety, US Task Force Recommends

Kids Over the Age of 8 Should Be Screened for Anxiety, US Task Force Recommends.

New guidelines for addressing the mental health of children were issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on April 12.

According to the CDC, anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues that children face.

Among the recommendations made by the panel is first-time screening for all children between the ages of eight and 18.

What our review found is that these screening tools are effective in picking up anxiety in young people before they can present with overt signs and symptoms, Dr. Martha Kubik, School of Nursing at George Mason University, via 'The New York Times'.

Health professionals say that the mental health needs of children are largely unaddressed in the U.S. Most kids in need of mental health care don’t get it, Dr. Stephen P.

H.

Whiteside, Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Clinic, via 'The New York Times'.

A lot of kids will keep suicidal thoughts to themselves — won’t bring up the topic unless they’re asked — , Dr. Carol Weitzman, Boston Children’s Hospital, via 'The New York Times'.

... so when you screen all kids 12 and over, it does help to create a sense of a safety net, that’s it’s OK to talk about, Dr. Carol Weitzman, Boston Children’s Hospital, via 'The New York Times'.

Members of the task force say that intervention can work as a powerful tool in maintaining mental health.

It’s critical to be able to intervene before a life is disrupted, Dr. Martha Kubik, School of Nursing at George Mason University, via 'The New York Times'.

According to professionals with the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, “many kids struggling with anxiety may not necessarily be diagnosed.”.

Psychotherapy is the first- line treatment, Dr. Tami D.

Benton, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, via 'The New York Times'.

Other health professionals say the new guidance is a start.

We need to shine the light brightly on the mental health needs of children, youth and adolescents in this country, and we need to be advocating for better access to mental health care, Dr. Carol Weitzman, Boston Children’s Hospital, via 'The New York Times'