Saturday, November 14, 2009

prevalence of anxiety disorders

We discovered that anxiety disorders were some of the most common among children.

Here are some stats we found:


The combined prevalence of the group of disorders known as anxiety disorders is higher than that of virtually all other mental disorders of childhood and adolescence (Costello et al., 1996). The 1-year prevalence in children ages 9 to 17 is 13 percent. (surgeon general)
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioral problems to occur during childhood and adolescence. About 13 of every 100 children and adolescents ages 9 to 17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder; girls are affected more than boys.About half of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders have a second anxiety disorder or other mental or behavioral disorder, such as depression. In addition, anxiety disorders may coexist with physical health conditions requiring treatment. Researchers also suggest watching for signs of anxiety disorders when children are between the ages of 6 and 8. Studies suggest that children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if they have a parent with anxiety disorders. However, the studies do not prove whether the disorders are caused by biology, environment, or both. The number of young people and their families who are affected by mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders is significant. It is estimated that as many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and require treatment.

Burns B, Angold A, Magruder-Habib K, Costello E, Patrick M. The child and adolescent services assessment (CASA) [unpublished instrument]. Durham, NC: Duke University School of Medicine; 1996.

National Mental Health Information Center. "Children's Mental Health Facts Children and Adolescents with Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders" . ND, Retrieved on November 14th 2009 from: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/CA-0006/default.asp

Surgeon General. Other Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents. ND Retrieved on November 14, 2009 from: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter3/sec6.html


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