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Pediatricians Urged to Screen Children Annually for Mental Health Issues
25 Aug
Summary
- Up to 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have mental or behavioral health problems
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for kids aged 10-14, up 41% since 2000
- Pediatricians can identify issues early and connect families to mental health support
In a new clinical report published on August 25, 2025, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging pediatricians to screen children annually for mental and developmental health issues. This recommendation comes in response to a concerning mental health crisis affecting America's youth.
According to the report, up to 1 in 5 children in the U.S., including those as young as 2 years old, are living with mental or behavioral health problems such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and suicidal thoughts and feelings. The situation has become increasingly dire, with suicide becoming the second-leading cause of death among kids aged 10 to 14 in 2020, and the third-leading cause among 15- to 24-year-olds. The AAP notes that the suicide rate increased by 41% between 2000 and 2017.
The AAP argues that pediatricians are in the best position to identify these issues early and connect families with the necessary mental health support. "Just as a pediatrician checks every child's physical health and development, they need to feel equipped to identify mental, emotional and behavioral health issues during routine exams," said lead guideline author Dr. Carol Weitzman.
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The report provides guidance on screening children starting in the first year of life and continuing annually. This early intervention is crucial, as studies have shown a two- to four-year window between the initial appearance of symptoms and the development of a full-blown disorder.
