Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed at Boston Children’s hospital?

A Boston Children’s mental health clinician (typically a child and adolescent psychiatrist, child psychologist or psychiatric social worker) will make the diagnosis following a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which will include a conversation and question-and-answer session with you and your child.

During the assessment, parents are asked to talk about their child’s anxiety symptoms and the resulting behavior. You will also be asked to give an overview of your child’s family history, medical history, school life and social interactions. Sometimes parent or child questionnaires are used as well to help clarify the diagnosis.

If my child is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, what happens next?

Our mental health clinician will help explain your child’s condition and answer any questions you or your child may have. The next step is developing a mutually agreed-upon treatment plan that works for you, your child and your family.