Anxiety disorders in mid-adolescence: a community sample

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Anxiety disorders are prevalent in adolescents.
• Understanding community prevalence is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the 6-month period prevalence of anxiety disorders in adolescents aged 14-16.
• To explore the relationship between anxiety, depression, affect, self-concept, and coping in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Community sample of 150 adolescents (14-16 years old).
• Diagnoses based on structured psychiatric interviews and DSM-III criteria.
• Assessed affect, self-concept, and coping strategies.

Main Results:

• 17% of adolescents met criteria for at least one anxiety disorder.
• 8.7% were identified as clinical 'cases' of anxiety disorder.
• A significant association was observed between anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

• Anxiety disorders affect a notable proportion of community-dwelling adolescents.
• Findings highlight the co-occurrence of anxiety and depression in this population.
• Further research is needed on the expression and distribution of adolescent anxiety.