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Kids' Anxiety Visits Surge 300% in Primary Care
19 May
Summary
- Anxiety-related doctor visits for children rose 300% between 2014 and 2023.
- Primary care physicians are increasingly diagnosing and treating mental health issues.
- ADHD remains the most common mental health condition seen in children.
Routine doctor visits for children are revealing a significant increase in mental health concerns, particularly anxiety. Between 2014 and 2023, anxiety-related primary care visits among children in Massachusetts saw a dramatic 300% surge. Overall mental health diagnoses during these visits rose from about 6 to nearly 10 per 100 children.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) maintained its status as the most common mental health issue addressed. Researchers suggest this rise reflects difficulties families face in securing specialist care, leading them to rely more on pediatricians. This trend underscores a critical opportunity for primary care to enhance mental health screening and initial treatment.
Experts emphasize that with proper training and support, primary care practices can play a vital role in identifying, treating, or referring children with mental health conditions. The findings highlight an urgent need for greater mental health resources and education within pediatric primary care settings.
