1 in 6 teens report anxiety symptoms and many go without help. What parents need to know

Key Points:

• A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that about one in six U.S. teenagers experience moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, with many also facing severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.
• The study, analyzing data from over 15,000 teens aged 12-20, is the first to include anxiety questions in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, establishing a baseline for tracking adolescent anxiety trends.
• Female adolescents are nearly twice as likely as males to report severe anxiety, with experts suggesting social and developmental factors, including social media influence, may contribute to higher rates in girls.
• Nearly half of teens with severe anxiety symptoms did not seek treatment, with barriers including stigma, lack of mental health resources, financial issues, and challenges in recognizing anxiety symptoms, especially among males, Black teens, and the uninsured.
• Experts advise parents to foster open communication, model coping skills, encourage healthy habits, and ensure regular pediatric check-ups that include mental health screenings to support teens dealing with anxiety.