Youth and Anxiety

Children with anxiety disorders are more likely to be adults with anxiety disorders. But what might stop that trend?

A recent study published in the Psychiatry Journal of the American Medical Association and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found an important factor that related to how well youth did six years after being treated for an anxiety disorder.  Those who responded well to their treatment as youth were more likely to be doing well as adults. 

Six years after the youth received treatment, the researchers followed up with the original participants.  The participants were assessed for their current anxiety symptoms and overall functioning as well as their families, life events and use of mental health services.  Just under half were in remission, meaning that they no longer showed active symptoms of their anxiety disorder. The participants most likely to have been in remission were those who responded to their treatment initially, when the study began.  In fact, those who had shown a response to their treatment at the start of the study had almost twice better odds of being in remission. These participants also had fewer symptoms of anxiety in general and better overall functioning six years after the treatment had begun.

Anxiety disorders affect approximately one in eight children, yet less than 6% of those affected receive treatment. Research shows that treatment of youth anxiety can help both in the short term and in improving functioning over the long term.  Research further shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.  With treatment and support, your child can learn how to successfully manage the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and live a fulfilling life.  

If you are concerned about your child, call (860) 265-3122 and ask to speak with one of Just Breathe's experienced and knowledgable clinicians.