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Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale 25 (RCADS-25)


What it is​

The RCADS-25-Child (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale - 25) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. It helps identify whether a young person is experiencing emotional challenges related to anxiety disorders (like Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety) or depression. This tool is commonly used to screen for anxiety and depressive symptoms and to track how these symptoms change over time.

The RCADS-25 is a shortened version of the original RCADS, making it quicker and easier to use while still providing reliable insights into a child’s mental health.

How is it used​

The RCADS-25-Child is suitable for children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years and typically takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. The questionnaire asks children to reflect on how they have been feeling over the past two weeks, focusing on various emotional symptoms like feeling sad, nervous, or worried.

This tool is often used in schools, therapy sessions, and pediatric clinics to identify children who may need additional support. It is also useful for monitoring progress during treatment, helping clinicians see if symptoms improve over time.

What do the scores mean?​

The RCADS-25-Child consists of 25 questions, each rated on a scale from 0 (never) to 3 (always). The questions are divided into two main areas:

  • Anxiety Symptoms: Includes questions about feeling tense, worried, or scared in certain situations.
  • Depression Symptoms: Includes questions about feeling sad, tired, or lacking interest in activities.

The questionnaire provides both subscale scores (for anxiety and depression) and a total score with scores converted in to T-scores. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here’s how to interpret the total score:

  • 0 to 64: Low severity. The child is likely coping well, with no significant signs of anxiety or depression.
  • 65 to69: Medium severity / borderline clinical cut off. The child may experience some emotional challenges but they are usually - manageable. It may be helpful to monitor the child’s feelings and consider supportive conversations.
  • 70 and above: High severity / above clinical cut off. This suggests significant emotional distress, indicating that a thorough - assessment by a mental health professional is recommended.
  • The subscale scores can help clinicians understand whether the child is struggling more with anxiety, depression, or both. This information can guide targeted interventions to address specific areas of concern.

What does the research say?​

The RCADS-25 is a well-researched and widely used tool in both clinical and educational settings. It has been shown to be both reliable (producing consistent results) and valid (accurately identifying anxiety and depression symptoms in children and adolescents). The shorter version retains the accuracy of the original RCADS while being more efficient to administer, making it ideal for busy settings.

One of the strengths of the RCADS-25 is its focus on both anxiety and depression, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of a child’s emotional well-being. It helps clinicians identify areas where the child may need support and track improvements during treatment.

Note: The RCADS-25 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Higher scores suggest that it may be beneficial to consult with a mental health professional for a thorough assessment and possible treatment.

Developer​

See ChildFirst website https://rcads.ucla.edu/