DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2025.0116

Faculty Advisor

Laura Reed, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2025

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing | Quality Improvement

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.

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