The US Preventive Services Task Force announced on Tuesday, for the first time, that adults aged 19 to 64 should undergo screening for anxiety disorders, citing significant benefits in detecting often overlooked or underdiagnosed conditions.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the task force’s recommendation highlights the prevalence of anxiety disorders as common mental health conditions frequently missed in primary care settings, leading to delays in treatment initiation.
While the group found insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for adults over 65, it emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention for anxiety disorders, which can manifest in various forms such as general anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorders, or selective mutism.
According to the task force, anxiety disorders affect about 25 percent of men and 40 percent of women at some point in their lives.
Symptoms often include sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and may significantly impair daily functioning.
Screening for anxiety involves the use of diagnostic scales administered by trained healthcare providers.
These scales alone do not diagnose anxiety but guide clinicians toward further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
The task force recommends that healthcare professionals receive enhanced training in identifying anxiety disorders and approach discussions about mental health sensitively, considering potential stigma and cultural factors.
“Underdiagnosis of anxiety disorders is common in current practice, leading to delayed or inadequate care even when diagnosed,” the report states, underscoring the need for improved awareness and proactive management of anxiety in clinical settings.
