Anxiety in Youth: Assessment, Treatment, and School-Based Service Delivery

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorder in childhood and can negatively impact functioning and development into adulthood. Although anxiety disorders are often less overt and observable than externalizing disorders, specific behaviors at home and school are indicative of anxiety symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment in childhood and adolescence can prevent the chronic course and negative long-term consequences associated with untreated anxiety. CBT has the most evidence for effective treatment results and is currently a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Given the large number of young people suffering with anxiety disorders, schools provide an optimal access point for the delivery of mental health treatment. As a place that the child's functioning can be assessed across contexts, schools are a particularly ideal setting for both identification and intervention. Research has indicated that school-based interventions (primarily groups) for anxiety disorders can be effective. This chapter highlights the current research on group and individual approaches to the delivery of evidence-based interventions for the treatment of youth anxiety in schools and the need for continued research and practice focused on expanded implementation of effective practices across settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)