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Rages and refusals. Managing the many faces of adolescent anxiety
1Mood and Anxiety Disorders Clinic, British Columbia Children's Hospital. jgarland@cw.bc.ca
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|June 12, 2001
Summary
Adolescent anxiety disorders, common in 10% of teens, often present with school avoidance and oppositional behavior. Family physicians can improve outcomes with practical assessment and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders affect at least 10% of adolescents.
- Complications include substance abuse, school avoidance, and behavioral issues.
- Management can be challenging due to oppositional behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer family physicians a practical framework for managing adolescent anxiety disorders.
- To address recognition, assessment, and treatment strategies.
- To focus on cases complicated by avoidance or oppositional behavior.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE using MeSH terms 'Anxiety' and 'Anxiety Disorders'.
- Review of diagnostic criteria, practice guidelines, and expert textbooks.
- Integration of research evidence with clinical experience.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent in adolescents, often with behavioral complications.
- Serotonergic medications show promise for adult anxiety disorders.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective but can be challenging to implement; supportive approaches may also help.
Conclusions:
- Increased physician awareness of anxiety's role in school avoidance and behavioral issues is crucial.
- Specific assessment and therapeutic interventions can improve adolescent outcomes.
- Practical management strategies are recommended for family physicians.