The United States Preventive Services Task Force has released a final recommendation that primary care clinicians screen all adult patients under 65 for anxiety. The recommendation complements guidance the task force adopted in 2022 that recommends anxiety screening in children and teens ages 8-18, essentially recommending screening for all people ages 8 to 64.

In their role as primary care clinicians, with scope that encompasses screening for mental and behavioral conditions, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should be prepared to take part in patient screenings for anxiety. APTA has issued a practice advisory to explain the task force recommendation and describe suggested tests to use for screening.