Anxiety in Children: Screening

1. RCTs on direct benefits and harms of screening for anxiety among children and adolescents in primary care settings (or similar settings) compared with no screening or usual care.
2. Multiple types of anxiety disorders exist, so future research could clarify trade-offs between screening instruments designed to identify any anxiety disorder and instruments designed for specific anxiety disorders.
3. Accuracy of screening tools in children and adolescents and the effectiveness of anxiety treatment in younger children.
4. Feasibility of using screening tools in the primary care setting.
5. More evidence is needed in populations defined by sex, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety in children 7 years or younger.

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