US task force recommends anxiety screenings for children 8 and older

foxnews.com:

A task force made up of medical experts from across the United States recommended on Tuesday that doctors begin screening all children between the ages of 8 to 18 for anxiety, whether they show symptoms or not.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released their recommendation noting that it comes as cases of mental health disorders continue to rise among young Americans.The task force's primary goal is to put in place preventative steps against rising diseases under the purview of the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. "Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in children and youth," said Dr.

Martha Kubik, a task force member and professor at George Mason University. Anxiety is specifically defined by the task force as a form of excessive fear or worry that transforms into physical and/or emotional symptoms.The medical experts recommended doctors utilize screening questionnaires to see if children are at risk of the condition.