The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences congratulates Greg Rhee, PhD, on his recent research publication in JAMA Pediatrics and national media recognition by ABC News.
Published on October 12, 2026, the study, titled “Estimates of Anxiety Symptoms Among US Adolescents,” examines the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among adolescents in the United States, highlighting significant gaps in access to mental health care.
Using data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Dr. Rhee and his fellow researchers analyzed responses from more than 15,000 adolescents aged 12 to 20. Their findings revealed that approximately one in six U.S. adolescents reported moderate or severe anxiety symptoms, yet many did not receive mental health treatment.
The study also identified important disparities in adolescent mental health. Female adolescents reported significantly higher rates of moderate and severe anxiety symptoms than their male counterparts. Among adolescents experiencing severe anxiety symptoms, nearly two-thirds also met criteria for a major depressive episode, while almost half reported suicidal thoughts within the preceding year.
Despite these findings, approximately 41% of adolescents reporting severe anxiety symptoms had not received mental health treatment in the past year, underscoring the need for improved screening, early intervention, and equitable access to care.
The research gained national attention through an ABC News feature, which explored the study’s findings and offered guidance for parents and caregivers navigating adolescent mental health concerns.
Speaking with ABC News, Dr. Rhee emphasized the importance of establishing a national baseline for adolescent anxiety, made possible by the inclusion of anxiety-related questions in the 2024 national survey. This new data will allow researchers and public health professionals to monitor trends, identify emerging disparities, and evaluate efforts to expand access to mental health services.
Dr. Rhee also highlighted potential barriers to treatment, including stigma, provider shortages, financial and insurance challenges, and limited access to culturally responsive care.
This research underscores the importance of addressing adolescent mental health as a public health priority, particularly through efforts to improve early identification and reduce disparities in access to evidence-based treatment.
The Department of Public Health Sciences congratulates Dr. Rhee and his fellow researchers on this important contribution to adolescent mental health research and its recognition on a national platform.
Read the full study: JAMA Pediatrics – Estimates of Anxiety Symptoms Among US Adolescents
Read the ABC News feature: 1 in 6 teens report anxiety symptoms and many go without help. What parents need to know