Improving Diagnostic Strategies for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: Advice for the Clinician

Abstract

Wanda Hilliard,1 Kelly Kearney,2 Sydnee Lucas,2 M Elizabeth Deel Flores1 1School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; 2School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USACorrespondence: Wanda Hilliard, Email [email protected]: This review aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of pediatric anxiety, emphasizing the need for clinician education in primary care and mental health settings. Early detection and management of pediatric anxiety can be achieved through the development and implementation of standardized screening protocols. Our goal is to positively improve the outcomes of pediatric patients suffering from anxiety by improving the awareness and knowledge of clinicians in primary and mental health care settings. This review provides evidence-based recommendations to refine clinical approaches, ultimately contributing to healthier, more resilient future generations.Keywords: mental health, pediatrics, youth, children, adolescent, anxiety, screening

Keywords

• mental health
• pediatrics
• youth
• children
• adolescent
• anxiety
• screening