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Anxiety in Adolescence

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Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly occurring psychological disorders, and risk for the development of these conditions greatly increases during adolescence. Despite this, the literature examining these conditions among adolescents is still relatively sparse. This chapter provides an overview of the characteristics of anxiety disorders during this time period, with a particular focus on panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and specific phobia. Etiological factors for anxiety disorders during adolescence are discussed, including biological, interpersonal, and cognitive risk factors. In addition, core fears and issues related to the assessment of each disorder are reviewed. The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychotropic medications during adolescents also is briefly presented. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research examining anxiety disorders among adolescence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, 107 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    DeMond M. Grant Ph.D.

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  1. DeMond M. Grant Ph.D.
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Correspondence to DeMond M. Grant Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, MS 0296, Reno, 89557-0062, New York, USA

    William T. O'Donohue

  2. , Department of Psychology, MS 0296, University of Nevada, Reno, North Virginia Street, Reno, 89557, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  3. , Integration Services, Aurora Mental Health Center, 11059 East Bethany Drive, Suite 105, Aurora, 80014, Colorado, USA

    Lauren Woodward Tolle

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Grant, D.M. (2013). Anxiety in Adolescence. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_32

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