About Your Score
Each of your answers has a score of 0-2. Click "Your Answers" above to see your score for each question.
Not True or Hardly Ever True = 0
Somewhat True or Sometimes True = 1
Very True or Often True = 2
Your results include a Total Score and five subscale scores that help identify different types of anxiety. For each score below, a higher number suggests more anxiety symptoms in that area.
Interpreting your scores:
Total Score (out of 82): Score ≥ 25 may indicate the presence of an Anxiety Disorder. Scores higher than 30 are more specific.
Panic Disorder Score (out of 26): Score ≥ 7 may indicate Panic Disorder or Significant Somatic Symptoms.
Questions: 1, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, 34, 38
Generalized Anxiety Score (out of 18): Score ≥ 9 may indicate Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Questions: 5, 7, 14, 21, 23, 28, 33, 35, 37
Separation Anxiety Score (out of 16): Score ≥ 5 may indicate Separation Anxiety Disorder.
Questions: 4, 8, 13, 16, 20, 25, 29, 31
Social Anxiety Score (out of 14): Score ≥ 8 may indicate Social Anxiety Disorder.
Questions: 3, 10, 26, 32, 39, 40, 41
School Avoidance Score (out of 8): Score ≥ 3 may indicate Significant School Avoidance.
Questions: 2, 11, 17, 36
It's possible to score above the cutoff on one or more areas while scoring below the cutoff in others. This helps identify specific types of anxiety where support might be needed.
References:
- Developed by Boris Birmaher, M.D., Suneeta Khetarpal, M.D., Marlane Cully, M.Ed., David Brent M.D., and Sandra McKenzie, Ph.D., Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh (10/95)
- Name: Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) - Parent Version
Please note: This mental health screening tool is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend taking screenshots or printing your results to share with a doctor or healthcare provider. Mental Health Center Kids, LLC disclaims any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of these screens.
Your Answers
- Overall Score: / 82
- Panic Disorder Score: / 26
- Generalized Anxiety Score: / 18
- Separation Anxiety Score: / 16
- Social Anxiety Score: / 14
- School Avoidance Score: / 8
🚨 RESULTS: Anxiety Concerns Identified
Your results suggest your child may be experiencing one or more of the following anxiety disorders: Panic Disorder or Significant Somatic Symptoms, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, or Significant School Avoidance. You can meet with a doctor or mental health professional who can provide a thorough evaluation. While these results suggest potential concerns, only a qualified provider can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest the best next steps. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
⚠️ Important Note
These results are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sharing these results with someone you trust can be a great place to start.
📋 What To Do Next
👥 Talk to a Professional
- Share these screening results with providers
- You can start with your child's pediatrician
- Ask school staff or counselors for mental health provider recommendations
🚨 Warning Signs
Emergency - Seek Immediate Help If Your Child:
- Talks about wanting to hurt themselves or others
- Shows severe aggressive or dangerous behavior
- Is in immediate danger
For Emergency Help:
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger
- Go to the nearest emergency room
Contact Doctor/Mental Health Professional If Your Child:
- Shows significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Reports physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
- Experiences increased fear or avoidance of situations
- Shows excessive worry or distress about separation
- Has difficulty attending or staying at school
📚 Helpful Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Resources for Families
- Access free resources about anxiety in children
- Learn about child development and emotional health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Children's Mental Health
- Explore research-based information on anxiety
- Find guidance on prevention strategies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children's Mental Health
- Learn about common childhood anxiety concerns
- Access free parenting resources and strategies
Finding Local Providers
- Consult with your pediatrician, school counselor, or health insurance provider
- Get referrals to child mental health providers in your area
🎯 Take Action Today
At Mental Health Center Kids, we offer therapist-approved worksheets to help with anxiety management. These worksheets can be used both in therapy sessions or at home.
💳 Insurance Note
Many insurance plans cover mental health services. Contact your insurance provider to find in-network mental health professionals who specialize in working with children.
✅ RESULTS: Low Risk Identified
Your results show that your child is likely at low risk for an anxiety disorder at this time. Based on your responses, your child does not appear to be experiencing significant symptoms of Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, or School Avoidance. Learn more about your results by clicking on the "About Your Score" tab above.
⚠️ Important Note
These results are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can meet with a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatric professional who can provide a thorough evaluation. Sharing these results with someone you trust can be a great place to start.
💪 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health
- Maintain consistent routines and healthy sleep habits
- Encourage regular physical activity and outdoor time
- Create opportunities for social connection
- Practice active listening and validate their feelings
- Set aside regular one-on-one time together
- Model healthy ways to manage stress
📋 What To Do Next
👥 Keep Communication Open
- Talk regularly with your child about their feelings
- Check in with your child's teacher or school counselor
- Discuss any ongoing concerns with your child's doctor
🎯 Build Skills Now
At Mental Health Center Kids, we offer therapist-approved worksheets to support emotional wellbeing. Even if your child is doing well now, our resources can help build self-awareness and positive coping strategies.
📚 Helpful Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Resources for Families
- Access free resources about anxiety in children
- Learn about child development and emotional health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Children's Mental Health
- Explore research-based information on anxiety
- Find guidance on prevention strategies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children's Mental Health
- Learn about common childhood anxiety concerns
- Access free parenting resources and strategies
Finding Local Providers
- Consult with your pediatrician, school counselor, or health insurance provider
- Get referrals to child mental health providers in your area
⏰ Stay Aware
If things change or you notice differences in your child's behavior or emotions, talk with your child's healthcare provider. You can also take this screening again in a few months.
If your child ever talks about hurting themselves or others, call or text 988 right away for 24/7 help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.