An Exploratory Study of Anxiety Among Youths

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues affecting children and adolescents, often leading to challenges in social, family, and academic environments. While occasional anxiety is normal for young people, recognizing when it becomes a disorder can be difficult. This article explores key features of anxiety in adolescents, provides insight into recognizing the condition, and examines recent changes to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It also discusses how to differentiate anxiety from other conditions like ADHD and offers evidence-based assessment methods. The article reviews various anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia, specific phobias, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Despite being reclassified in the DSM-5, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is also discussed. Anxiety is the most prevalent psychological disorder among youth, often appearing earlier than other internalizing conditions. Adolescents with untreated anxiety face difficulties that may persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of depression and substance abuse. Studies suggest that 15-20% of young people are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, with long-term research showing up to 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 experiencing anxiety. However, many remain untreated due to the overlap of anxiety symptoms with other disorders, such as mood disorders and ADHD, making diagnosis challenging. A major randomized trial in 2008 was the first to compare different treatments for anxiety, including medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and a combination of both. Despite this, diagnostic tools for anxiety have lagged those for other conditions like depression. Recognizing pathological anxiety, which is persistent and impairs daily functioning, is crucial. Addressing anxiety early can prevent long-term consequences that can affect development and mental health into adulthood.