New government recommendations for regularly screening adults for anxiety may assist in identifying at-risk individuals, allowing them to be connected to help more quickly, according to APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD.
Evans appeared on C-span’s Washington Journalopens in new window to discuss recent draft recommendationsopens in new window from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that adults under age 65 be regularly screened for anxiety and depression.
Anxiety disorders are common and prevalent, with about 26% of males and 40% of females experiencing an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes, according to the task force report. The percentage of adults with recent symptoms of anxiety increased from 36% to 41% from August 2020 to February 2021 alone. These symptoms are often unrecognized and can lead to a variety of mental and physical health problems.
While many primary care doctors already screen patients for depression, the task force went a step further and recommended screenings for generalized anxiety disorder as well. Screening questionnaires may only take only a few minutes. Some of the symptoms they look for are irritability, worry, and anxiety and nervousness about different issues.
“One thing that is important to note—these are screenings,” said Evans. “That means we are not diagnosing. They are only designed to help us identify people who are likely to have a problem. Those people should be referred to a mental health professional for further assessment.”
He also noted that these are recommendations, not requirements. Often, though, when the task force makes these types of recommendations, there is a lot of pressure put on insurance providers to include these services in their coverage.
In an integrative health care model, it is important for primary care providers to have relationships with people who have more expertise around mental health issues, like psychologists, according to Evans.
Screenings will also help people get mental health care treatment more quickly. From the start of symptoms, it can take years before people get help, according to Evans. Regular screenings help professionals to identify and address issues much earlier.
Including mental health screenings in physical health check-ups will also reduce stigma and will help to normalize mental health. For too long, mental health has been separated from physical health, with mental health historically being ignored in physical exams.
Incorporating anxiety and depression screenings will send the message that your mental health is as important as your physical health, said Evans.
