Prospective prediction of first-onset generalized and social anxiety disorders in adolescent girls

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) are common in adolescents, yet few studies have comprehensively examined their risk factors for first onset during adolescence, limiting insights into risk profiles and prevention strategies.

Data were drawn from the Adolescent Development of Emotion and Personality Traits (ADEPT) project. Anxiety disorders were assessed at 18-month intervals over 3 years, using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children. Adolescents without lifetime GAD (481 girls, mean age 14.37, SD = 0.62) or SAD (449 girls, mean age =14.39, SD = 0.63) at baseline were included for analysis. Thirty- six baseline risk factors spanning personality, interpersonal and academic functioning, psychopathology, and family history were analyzed for first-onset GAD (n = 47) and SAD (n = 67). We used multivariate logistic regression to identify unique predictors for each disorder. We also employed path analysis to explore the associations between risk factors and the onset of GAD and SAD, distinguishing between shared versus disorder-specific relationships.

Anxiousness emerged as a robust unique predictor for GAD, while low assertiveness, poor academic performance, and a history of depression were stable unique predictors for SAD. Both shared and disorder-specific associations were identified, suggesting overlapping and specific vulnerabilities.

This study identified distinct risk profiles for GAD and SAD, providing insights that may guide targeted screening and prevention efforts.