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Overanxious disorder: an examination of developmental differences.
C C Strauss1, C A Lease, C G Last
1Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Overanxious disorder (OAD) in children presents differently based on age. Older children exhibit more OAD symptoms and higher anxiety, while younger children show distinct co-occurring conditions.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Overanxious disorder (OAD) is a recognized childhood anxiety condition.
- Understanding age-related differences in OAD presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare younger (5-11 years) and older (12-19 years) children with OAD.
- To examine differences in diagnosis rates, demographics, symptom expression, co-occurring conditions, and self-reported anxiety/depression.
Main Methods:
- A clinical sample of children meeting DSM-III criteria for OAD was assessed.
- Comparisons were made across sociodemographic characteristics, symptom profiles, and comorbidity patterns.
- Self-report measures assessed anxiety and depression levels.
Main Results:
- OAD prevalence and sociodemographics did not differ significantly between age groups.
- Older children reported more total OAD symptoms and higher levels of anxiety and depression.
- Younger children more frequently had coexisting separation anxiety or attention deficit disorders, while older children had higher rates of major depression or simple phobia.
Conclusions:
- The expression and associated features of overanxious disorder vary significantly with developmental stage in children and adolescents.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering age-specific presentations in the clinical assessment of childhood anxiety disorders.