Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric conditions observed in children and adolescents worldwide, and can lead to significant impairments in academic, social, and family functioning. Child anxiety disorders frequently predict the development of other psychiatric disorders in later adolescence and adulthood, including subsequent anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, substance use disorders, and major depressive disorder. This chapter provides an overview of the etiology and clinical characteristics of anxious youth, as well as of evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Clinical descriptions are provided of separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. An outline of the main components of treatment for childhood anxiety disorders is provided. Furthermore, current research on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxious youth is reviewed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of innovative adaptations of cognitive behavioral treatments for anxious children and adolescents. Keywords: anxiety disorders; anxiety; child anxiety; cognitive behavioral therapy; child anxiety treatment; adolescent treatment; innovative treatment; anxious youth; etiology of anxiety; child anxiety disorders