Anxiety Resources for Pediatricians

Children with developmental and intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for anxiety disorders. Pediatricians can play a role in identifying these conditions through standardized screening and family consultation.  

The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) screening tool can be used within primary care to obtain child and parent self-reports.  The SCARED is a child and parent self-report instrument used to screen for childhood anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. In addition, it assesses symptoms related to school phobia.  

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) is a screening tool that assesses the presence and severity of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a brief, self-administered questionnaire that asks about the frequency of seven specific anxiety symptoms experienced over the past two weeks.  

The Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a 28-item questionnaire designed to measure anxiety symptoms in preschoolers (ages 2.5 to 6.5). It is completed by parents or guardians and provides a tool for identifying potential anxiety issues in younger children. The PAS is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help identify children who may need further assessment or intervention. 

Pediatricians can support caregivers by referring to a licensed clinical social worker or other mental health professional. They are also an important resource to families, providing guidance on evidence-based behavioral interventions for use in daily life.  

This resource was made possible through the generous support of AAP donors to the Friends of Children Fund.