Does it hold promise? Measuring pediatric anxiety via PROMIS vs the clinically validated SCARED

Abstract

ABSTRACT Screening for anxiety is common in pediatric medical clinics given the high rates and impact on physical health. The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) and Promis Pediatric Anxiety Short Form (PROMIS-PA) are two frequently used screeners; however, the PROMIS-PA’s psychometric properties are largely unknown in youth presenting to sub-specialty care. As such, the present study examined the PROMIS-PA’s clinical validity and utility in comparison to the SCARED’s in 6,926 youth presenting to gastroenterology care. A derived clinical cut-point on the PROMIS-PA (≥ 51) was established and tested against the SCARED. Suggested usage of these measures in pediatric medical settings is discussed.