Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children

A T-score of 68 indicates elevated anxiety (approximately 93rd percentile) and suggests possible anxiety disorder. However, MASC-2 is screening tool—diagnosis requires clinical interview assessing: (1) specific anxiety symptoms and their frequency/severity; (2) age of onset (typically before age 12); (3) functional impairment (avoiding school, activities, social situations); (4) duration (symptoms for ≥4 weeks per DSM-5); (5) exclusion of other causes (medical illness, medication, trauma). Elevated MASC-2 warrants diagnostic evaluation, not diagnosis.

High Physical Symptoms with low Social Anxiety suggests your child experiences significant physical anxiety (rapid heartbeat, dizziness, muscle tension, shortness of breath) but is not specifically worried about social judgment. This profile is consistent with panic disorder or generalized anxiety with somatic focus. Treatment should address panic symptoms through exposure-based therapy (gradually facing situations that trigger panic to build confidence), breathing techniques, and possibly medication. Reassurance from physician that physical symptoms are not dangerous is often helpful.

Elevated Separation/Panic subscale indicates separation anxiety symptoms (distress when away from parents, fear of harm to self or parents), not dependence or immaturity. Separation anxiety is developmentally normal in young children (ages 6–8) but becomes concerning if persistent in older children/adolescents or if it prevents school attendance or age-appropriate independence. Treatment involves gradual, supported exposure to separation and cognitive-behavioral approaches to address catastrophic thinking.

MASC-2 measures anxiety symptom severity and type, not treatment responsiveness. General guidelines: moderate-to-high anxiety (T 60–75) may respond to therapy alone (CBT first-line); higher anxiety (T>75) or comorbid depression may benefit from combined therapy + SSRI medication. Factors predicting good medication response: moderate baseline anxiety, high insight, family support, few comorbidities. Discuss medication vs. therapy options with psychiatrist after comprehensive evaluation.