When a student may have a primary anxiety disorder, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Refer for specialized mental health services.
• B. Provide in-school coping skills only.
• C. Diagnose anxiety immediately based on observation.
• D. Delay any action until parent request.

Answer: (A)

When a student may have a primary anxiety disorder, the appropriate action is to refer for specialized mental health services. Diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders require a licensed clinician who can conduct a thorough evaluation, determine the level of impairment, consider other possible conditions, and develop an evidence-based treatment plan. In the school setting, you can support the student with in-class strategies and coping skills, but you should not diagnose or treat anxiety based on observation alone. If concerns are evident, document observations, discuss with the family, obtain consent for a referral, and coordinate with the clinician while continuing to provide appropriate supports at school. Delaying action or relying only on classroom strategies does not address the potential need for professional evaluation and treatment.