Interpretation of Screening for Anxiety Disorders in Adults U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses and are often overlooked in primary care settings, with delays in initial treatment and significant impairment on patients' social function and quality of life. In 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a recommendation statement on adult anxiety disorder screening in JAMA, along with the latest evidence report and systematic review results. The USPSTF suggests screening for anxiety in adults, including pregnant and postpartum women. However, current evidence on the risks and benefits of screening for anxiety in older adults is insufficient to determine the pros and cons of screening. This article combines the USPSTF statement with domestic and international research to provide an overview of several aspects: the current state of adult anxiety disorders domestically and internationally, a summary of the USPSTF recommendation statement, risk factors, early screening tools and their pros and cons, treatment, and the value of the statement for general practice guidance.

Keywords

• anxiety|screening|adult|statement|u.s. preventive services task force