Screening for Anxiety should not wait

The University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine has, for the first time, recommended that adults under the age of 65 get screened for anxiety, because it can be undetected for years.

The US Preventive Services Task Force’s draft recommendations mention the finding that the median time to start anxiety treatment is 23 years. They also highlight that many common symptoms of aging, such as trouble sleeping, pain and fatigue can also be symptoms of anxiety.

“The panel also cited “racism and structural policies» that disproportionately affect people of color. The panel noted that Black patients are less likely to receive mental health services compared to other groups, and that misdiagnosis of mental health conditions occurs more often in Black and Hispanic patients.”

Rachel Zimmerman `|THE WASHINGTON POST

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