Simptoms of anxiety, depression, anger and sexual concern and the role of some demographic characteristic among Slovenian youth: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: There is some evidence that a more elevated level of anxiety and depression is associated with adolescent timing and that depression and anxiety have overlapping symptoms and are conceptually interrelated. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the clinical importance and comorbidity rates of some psychological symptoms. The aim was to explore the presence and intensity of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger and sexual concern in Slovenian adolescents. The second aim was to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of adolescents and the presence of these symptoms. Two hundred and three adolescents between 15 and 20 years of age completed a questionnaire measuring specific symptoms. Results and conclusions: The results of the current study indicate that depressive and anxiety symptoms were found not to differ by gender, age and socioeconomic status. Girls and boys showed similar profiles of correlations for depressive and anxiety symptoms. High level of depressive symptoms, such a feelings of sadness, unhappiness, and loneliness, were associated with increased symptoms of anxiety among boys and girls and both expressed more sexual concerns as well. Anger, angry thoughts, feelings and behaviour were strongly linked to preoccupation with sexual thoughts or feelings for both boys and girls. The findings extend the current knowledge in this area. Identifying and assessing depression and other symptoms are essential to ensuring access to appropriate treatment.