Is it more than normal nerves?

The SCARED is one of the most used anxiety questionnaires for children and teens. It was built for ages 8 to 18. It looks at five kinds of anxiety: panic and body symptoms, general worry, separation, social nerves and school avoidance. Younger kids (8 to 11) should answer it sitting with a parent who can explain any question. Parents: let your teen answer in their own words.

About this questionnaire

Source: Birmaher B, Khetarpal S, Brent D, et al. The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED): scale construction and psychometric characteristics. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997;36(4):545–553. Birmaher B, Brent DA, Chiappetta L, et al. Psychometric properties of the SCARED: a replication study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1999;38(10):1230–1236. Developed at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh; free to use. Original →

Common questions

Who is the SCARED for?

It was built for children and teens aged 8 to 18. Kids aged 8 to 11 should do it sitting with an adult who can explain the questions. There is also a parent version, used by clinicians.

What does a high score mean?

A total of 25 or more may mean an anxiety disorder, and above 30 is more specific. Only a professional can diagnose. The good news: anxiety in young people is very treatable.