Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Anxiety Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Anxiety is a psychological distress state. It reflects emotional, behavioral, physiological, and cognitive reactions to threats. There are two types of anxiety: State and Trait anxiety, where the former is a current anxiety, and the latter is a constant anxiety.
Adaptive anxiety is appropriate and beneficial, a natural awareness of danger. Maladaptive anxiety is excessive and intrusive.
Worry is a cognitive response to threat.
Childhood anxiety disorders include separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is diagnosed in children with excessive fear of separation from caregivers. Symptoms last at least four weeks and cause significant dysfunction.
Onset of SAD typically peaks between 13-18 months and usually decreases around 3-5 years.
SAD symptoms vary in children of different ages.
3-7-year-old children often cling or refuse to go to school.
12-year-olds experience diffuse separation fears.
4-year-olds have nightmares about parent's harm.
Anxiety disorders affect roughly 20% of children and adolescents. In adults it’s about 5%.
Girls are more likely to exhibit anxiety than boys.
Anxiety disorders in children are linked to depression, substance abuse, and self-harm.
Typically, depression develops about five years after the onset of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety usually starts in middle childhood, but some disorders do not develop until puberty.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) includes marked anxiety about social situations, with symptoms lasting at least six months.
Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, characterized by intense fear and physiological arousal, peaking typically in 10 minutes.
Agoraphobia is a fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life.

Prevalence and Course

Anxiety disorders are frequent in children.
Anxiety disorders are more common in adolescents than younger children.
GAD typically develops between ages 7-13.

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic factors play a role in anxiety disorders.
Insecure attachments, parental anxiety, and controlling parenting styles can increase risk.
Exposure and observational learning contribute to anxiety formation.

Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders

Clinicians rely on DSM-5 criteria and clinical interviews.
Factors that need consideration include intensity, frequency, duration of symptoms, degree of impairment.

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used treatment approach.
Exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring techniques are components of CBT that are helpful in reducing anxiety.
Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be used alongside therapy.