Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Although anxiety is a normal and developmentally appropriate experience of childhood and anxiety disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed disorders, the prevalence of anxiety symptomatology and anxiety disorders in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not well documented. Most studies have focused on anxiety-related syndromes associated with T1D including fear of hypoglycemia, specific phobia of needles (i.e., needle anxiety), and anxiety related to uptake of new and sophisticated diabetes technology (e.g., continuous glucose monitors, continuous subcutaneous infusion therapy), but the extant literature is sparse, and more research is greatly needed. Identification, prevention, and treatment of anxiety are critical to providing comprehensive diabetes care and management. This review provides a summary of the literature focused on anxiety in children and adolescents with T1D with suggestions for future research and clinical implications.