Children as young as 8 years old should be screened for anxiety and those ages 12 and over for depression, according to new recommendations by the government-backed U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).  The guidance for healthcare providers, still in draft form, applies to children and teens who are not showing signs or symptoms of these conditions.

 Follow-up care can reduce symptoms of depression and can improve, and potentially resolve, anxiety, the statement said.

 While the problem of undiagnosed mental health issues in children predates the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors and psychologists have warned that the impact of the health crisis on some children may be traumatic.  Online schooling, lockdowns, social distancing requirements, mask wearing and other lifestyle changes could have significant impacts on children’s mental health, experts have said.    Source : Reuters