GAD-7 Screening in Middle School Students: Evaluating the Effectiveness on Referral Rate Scoping Review
Year: 2025
Type: report
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Purpose/Background The prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents, mainly middle school-aged students, highlights the critical need for practical screening tools to support early detection and intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale is widely utilized in various settings, but its efficacy in this specific population remains underexplored. This scoping review examines the use of the GAD-7 in middle school-aged students, evaluating its reliability, validity, and impact on referral rates to mental health services. The review also considers factors influencing anxiety and identifies gaps in current research. Methods Ten articles, published in peer-reviewed journals within the past decade and involving human participants aged 10 to 19, were included. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines utilizing databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Medline and BMC Public Health. The Rapid Critical Appraisal (RCA) tool was used to evaluate the quality and relevance of the articles. Results The studies collectively underscore the GAD-7 scale's reliability and validity in assessing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The significance of the assessment tool signifies its use for early detection and monitoring of anxiety symptoms in the adolescent population. The scoping review demonstrates the importance of early detection and supports timely referrals to mental health providers. It is acknowledged amongst all the studies that variables such as economic status, education level, gender, and psychosocial factors, such as suicidal ideation, depressive mood, loneliness, perceived stress, and subjective health status, influence the development and course of generalized anxiety disorder. Implications for Nursing Practice The outcomes of this scoping review demonstrate the efficacy of the GAD-7 in the early detection of anxiety disorders among adolescents. Positive findings suggest that improved outcomes are achieved by early identification and promoting prompt referrals to mental health services. Furthermore, according to the evidence gathered, using the GAD-7 as a standard in all middle schools helps prevent detrimental effects associated with undiagnosed and untreated anxiety.
Authors: Bailey Hall, Cara Dennis, Kayla Drennen-Ferguson, Pamela Taylor, Laura Reed
Institution: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4409989280