Anxiety screening: who needs it, when and how often

When it starts, when it can stop

Starts: At 18. (USPSTF, 2023)
Can stop: The grade B range ends at 64. For 65 and older the evidence is not enough to decide (grade I). (USPSTF, 2023)

Who it is for

Adults 64 years or younger, including pregnant and postpartum persons. (USPSTF, 2023)

Test and how often

There is no set interval. (USPSTF, 2023)

If you need help now

If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, in the US you can call, text or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor any time, day or night: call or text 988. (988 Lifeline)

Anxiety screening by age

Anxiety screening by age: USPSTF 2022 (children and teens) and 2023 (adults)
Who	Grade	What it means
Children 7 and younger	I (2022)	Evidence not enough to weigh screening
Children and teens 8 to 18	B (2022)	Screen
Adults 64 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum people	B (2023)	Screen
Adults 65 and older	I (2023)	Evidence not enough to weigh screening

There is little evidence on timing for adults. The USPSTF suggests screening adults who have not been screened before, then using risk factors, other health conditions and life events to decide on more screening. (USPSTF, 2023)

For children and teens the best interval is unknown; repeat screening may be most useful for teens with risk factors. (USPSTF, 2022)

A screening questionnaire is not a diagnosis. The USPSTF says people who screen positive should be evaluated further and offered or referred to care if needed. Talk to your doctor about your result. (USPSTF, 2023)

Where the USPSTF draws the line

Grade C means a small net benefit, so it is offered to some people; D means do not screen; I means the evidence is not enough to decide. (USPSTF grade definitions)

Grade I: the evidence is not enough to weigh screening adults 65 or older. (USPSTF, 2023)

Questions people ask

At what age does anxiety screening start?

At 8. The USPSTF recommends screening children and teens 8 to 18 (grade B, 2022) and adults 64 and younger (grade B, 2023). For children 7 and younger the evidence is insufficient. (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2023)

Why is there no anxiety screening recommendation for people 65 and older?

It is not a recommendation against it. The USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to weigh benefits and harms in adults 65 or older (grade I). If worry or other symptoms bother you, talk to your doctor. (USPSTF, 2023)

How often should you be screened for anxiety?

The USPSTF sets no interval. A practical approach it describes is to screen adults who have not been screened before, and to screen again when risk factors, health conditions or life events suggest it. (USPSTF, 2023)

Does a positive anxiety screen mean I have an anxiety disorder?

No. Screening only points to who needs a closer look. The USPSTF says a positive screen should lead to further evaluation for a diagnosis and, if appropriate, treatment or referral. (USPSTF, 2023)

Source

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, "Anxiety Disorders in Adults: Screening", final recommendation released June 20, 2023. Read it on uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Checked against the live page on 2026-10-28.