Anxiety Flashcards
Main facts
What is the core feature of anxiety disorders?
Avoidance
Avoidance can include specific situations, places, stimuli, hesitancy, uncertainty, withdrawal, or ritualised actions.
What are common physical symptoms reported by anxious children?
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle tension
These physical symptoms reflect heightened arousal and are rarely specific to a given disorder.
What is the typical onset age for Animal phobias?
Early childhood (around 6-7 years)
This is one of the earliest anxiety disorders to appear.
What percentage of treatment-seeking adolescents meet criteria for an additional mood disorder?
Around 30%
This is compared to only around 10% to 15% of younger anxious children.
True or False: Anxious children are at greater risk for substance abuse.
False
Anxious children generally obey rules and do not take risks, but overlap with alcohol abuse appears in late adolescence.
What is the estimated prevalence of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents in Western populations?
About 5%
This percentage reflects those who meet criteria for an anxiety disorder during a given period.
What is the estimated heritability of anxiety disorders?
Around 40%
This variance in symptoms and diagnoses is mediated by genetic factors.
What are some temperamental risk factors associated with child anxiety?
- Behavioural inhibition
- Withdrawal
- Shyness
- Fearfulness
These temperaments have been linked to increased likelihood of anxiety disorders.
Fill in the blank: The most common assessment of inhibition occurs in children from around ______ to ______ years of age.
[two] to [five]
This can be assessed through questionnaires or direct observation.
What parenting characteristics are associated with anxious children?
- Overprotection
- Intrusiveness
- Negativity
These parenting styles may contribute to the development of anxiety in children.
What treatment has typically been used for anxiety in children?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Treatment generally lasts 10-15 weeks with a response rate of 50% to 60%.
List some specific treatment techniques for anxiety disorders in children.
- Psychoeducation
- Relaxation
- In vivo exposure
- Contingency management
- Parent training
- Cognitive restructuring
- Social skills and assertiveness training
These techniques are often combined in treatment packages.
What is the typical duration of treatment programs for anxiety disorders in children?
8-15 weeks
Sessions usually last around 1-2 hours and can be delivered in group or individual formats.
What is the reported percentage of children considered diagnosis-free at the end of treatment?
50% to 60%
This figure can increase to 70%-80% up to 12 months following the end of treatment.
