Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established for GAD specifically
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Higher than childhood
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? Yes vs younger children
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Moderate
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Somewhat
How might it look different? Academic/social worries, perfectionism, somatic symptoms, sleep problems
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; social anxiety; panic; substance use
What can it be confused with? Social anxiety; OCD; panic; ADHD; adjustment disorder
Common screening tool GAD-7 / age-appropriate anxiety scale
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens SCARED – GAD subscale
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