Experts Recommend Routine Anxiety Screening for Adults
Many people struggling with anxiety don’t share this information with their doctors. Often, they are unaware their symptoms are severe enough to be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder that can be treated with therapy or medication.
In light of the national mental health crisis, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended that all adults ages 19 through 64 be screened for anxiety disorders by their primary care provider, even if they are asymptomatic. Although this new guideline is not mandatory, it is expected to be widely adopted by healthcare providers.
The USPSTF is comprised of 16 primary care clinicians appointed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make evidence-based recommendations that will help keep people healthy through prevention and early detection. This panel of health experts also works to mitigate the health inequities that prevent many people from fully benefitting from preventive services.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money or family problems. But, for people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.
Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder and phobias. Anxiety disorders can be chronic conditions characterized by periods of remission and recurrence, but full recovery can occur.
GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, and even years.
GAD has an estimated prevalence of 8.5% to 10.5% during pregnancy and 4.4% to 10.8% during the postpartum period. Anxiety disorders typically begin in childhood and early adulthood, and symptoms appear to decline with age. Symptoms of GAD include:
Feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge
Being easily fatigued
Having difficulty concentrating
Being irritable
Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
Numerous studies indicate that under-detection of anxiety disorders appears to be common. For instance, only 13.3% of primary care patients with GAD presented anxiety as the chief concern and were more likely to report symptoms such as pain or sleep disturbances.
Research also shows that delays in treatment initiation commonly occur. Only about 11% of adults with an anxiety disorder started treatment within the first year of onset, and many suffer for years before their anxiety comes up in a medical setting.
Because GAD is particularly common during and after pregnancy, the USPSTF called special attention to the importance of screening asymptomatic persons during that time. These recommendations follow guidelines the task force issued last year to screen asymptomatic children ages 8 through 18.
It is important to note that anxiety screening, which can consist of several standardized questionnaires, is brief and not intended to diagnose patients. Rather, the screening helps identify individuals who should be referred to a mental health professional for a diagnosis and possible treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy.
The National Institute for Mental Health provides these free brochures and shareable resources for those who wish to learn more about anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): When Worry Gets Out of Control
This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
I’m So Stressed Out!
This fact sheet intended for teens and young adults presents information about stress, anxiety, and ways to cope when feeling overwhelmed.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts Take Over
This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatment of OCD.
Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatments of panic disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Shareable Resources on Anxiety Disorders
Help support anxiety awareness and education in your community. Use these digital resources, including graphics and messages, to spread the word about anxiety disorders.
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