A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that approximately one in six teenagers in the United States report experiencing moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. The research, conducted by the University of Connecticut, analyzed data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which included self-reported anxiety symptoms from over 15,000 adolescents aged 12 to 20.

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The study found that nearly two-thirds of those with severe anxiety symptoms also met criteria for severe depression, while nearly half reported experiencing suicidal thoughts and around one-third indicated substance abuse. This year marks the first time anxiety-related questions have been included in the national survey, providing a new baseline for public health officials to track anxiety trends among adolescents and measure the effectiveness of treatment access improvements, according to study author Dr. Greg Rhee.

Health experts assert that while it is normal for teenagers to feel nervous or worried, anxiety becomes a concern when these feelings interfere with daily functioning. The American Academy of Pediatrics describes typical symptoms of anxiety in teens as irritability, trouble concentrating, recurring fears, extreme self-consciousness, social withdrawal, declining grades, and school avoidance.

The study also highlights that female adolescents are nearly twice as likely as males to report severe anxiety symptoms. Dr. Chanelle Ramsubick, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, attributes this disparity to societal expectations placed on young girls, which may contribute to anxiety. Additionally, excessive social media use has been linked to increased anxiety and loneliness among teenagers.

Alarmingly, the study found that nearly half of the teens with severe anxiety symptoms did not seek care in the past year. Factors contributing to this include stigma, shortages of child mental health professionals, and financial barriers, as well as the tendency for symptoms to go unrecognized—especially among male, Black, and uninsured teenagers.

To support anxious teenagers, doctors recommend parents model healthy coping behaviors, create a safe space for expressing feelings, and encourage routines that promote better sleep and relaxation techniques. Regular pediatric check-ups should include discussions about mental health, helping to normalize the conversation around anxiety and other emotional challenges.