Anxiety Disorders Risk Factors
Epidemiology
- Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioral problems during childhood and adolescence.
- 13 % of children and adolescents between 9 and 17years of age experience some type of anxiety disorder.
- 50% of children and adolescents with one anxiety disorder have a second anxiety disorder or other mental or behavioral disorder, such as depression.
- Children with physical health conditions may develop anxiety disorders that require treatment.
Age
- Anxiety disorders can strike at any age
- Some anxiety disorders are more common in younger children and others tend to develop in adolescence
- Researchers suggest watching for signs of anxiety disorders when children are between the ages of 6 and 8, when children generally grow less afraid of the dark and imaginary creatures and become more anxious about school performance and social relationships.
- An excessive amount of anxiety in children this age may be a warning sign for the development of anxiety disorders later in life.
- Panic Disorder more often begins in adolescence, but can occur in children
Gender
Girls are affected with anxiety more often than boys.
Family History
- Children or adolescents are more likely to have an anxiety disorder if they have a parent with anxiety disorders.
- It is uncertain whether the disorders are caused by biology, environment, or both.
- More data are needed to clarify whether anxiety disorders can be inherited.