Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Childhood anxiety disorders can and should be treated, according to UT Southwestern national expert

Childhood anxiety disorders can and should be treated, according to UT Southwestern national expert

December 29, 2008

Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents should be recognized and treated to prevent educational underachievement and adult substance abuse, anxiety disorders and depression, says a nationally recognized child psychiatrist from UT Southwestern Medical Center.

In an editorial appearing in the Dec. 25 issue of New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Graham Emslie, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at UT Southwestern, urges awareness that children need to be treated for anxiety disorders and recommends that related empirical evidence be integrated into treatment guidelines.




"Anxiety disorders may cause children to avoid social situations and age-appropriate developmental milestones," said Dr. Emslie. "Further, the avoidance cycle can lead to less opportunity to develop social skills necessary for success later in life. Treatment would help children learn healthy coping skills."

Up to 20 percent of children and adolescents are affected by persistent and excessive worry that can manifest as generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and social phobia. Research has shown that failure to identify these disorders early leads to educational underachievement and increased rates of anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse later in life.

Only with the adaptation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition did the mental health community recognize that adult anxiety disorders have origins in childhood, wrote Dr. Emslie, the first psychiatrist to demonstrate that antidepressants are effective in depressed children and adolescents.

Anxiety disorders in children are frequently unrecognized because they may only report physical aches and may be unable to verbalize "worry" or "fear," said Dr. Emslie, chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at Children's Medical Center Dallas.

The editorial accompanies a study in the same issue of the journal by senior author John Walkup of Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. The pivotal research, which was conducted at seven medical institutions across the U.S., was the first study to directly compare medication treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy that examines thinking patterns in order to modify behavior, and the combination of both treatments in children and teens with anxiety disorders. The results showed that antidepressant medications and cognitive behavioral therapy were equally effective treatments for anxiety and that the combination of both treatments was most effective.

Dr. Emslie said he hopes future studies will build on this work to determine what type to treatment is best for individual patients.

"Partial treatment is not adequate," he said. "If children aren't treated to the point of complete remission, they are likely to relapse. It's imperative that we help children overcome their anxiety disorders for their own lifetime good."

UT Southwestern Medical Center



Related Anxiety Disorders Current Events and Anxiety Disorders News Articles Anxiety Disorders Current Events and Anxiety Disorders News RSS Anxiety Disorders Current Events and Anxiety Disorders News RSS
Forget all about it: Traumatic memories can be erased
It is well known that fear memories are permanent. However, a recent paper in Science, evaluated by three Faculty Members for F1000, reports an extraordinary finding that supports the use of a drug to control recollections of traumatic incidents.

Psychiatric disorders and sexual trauma are associated with lower urinary tract symptoms
Depression, anxiety disorders and sexual trauma have all been implicated as risk factors in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as incontinence and overactive bladder.

Brain emotion circuit sparks as teen girls size up peers
What is going on in teenagers' brains as their drive for peer approval begins to eclipse their family affiliations?

Family history predicts presence and course of psychiatric disorders
A family history of depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence or drug dependence is associated with the presence of each condition and also may predict its course and prognosis.

Postpartum anxiety delays puberty in offspring
Hormonal changes early in pregnancy cause maternal postpartum anxiety and behavior changes that can lead to a delayed onset of puberty in both birth and adoptive daughters, according to a new study conducted in mice.

Hopkins study: When adult patients have anxiety disorder, their children need help too
In what is believed to be the first U.S. study designed to prevent anxiety disorders in the children of anxious parents, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center have found that a family-based program reduced symptoms and the risk of developing an anxiety disorder among these children.

New mouse model of depression/anxiety enhances understanding of antidepressant drugs
A recent study finds that the antidepressant effects of drugs like Prozac involve both neurogenesis-dependent and -independent mechanisms, a finding that may lead to development of better treatments for depression and anxiety.

Brain chemical reduces anxiety, increases survival of new cells
New research on a brain chemical involved in development sheds light on why some individuals may be predisposed to anxiety.

Genetic risk for anxiety does not have to be destiny
A growing body of basic animal research and studies of abused and neglected children provide a strong basis of support for the hypothesis that individuals with particular genotypes are at greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and problems with the abuse of alcohol and other substances.

Researchers Find That Well-Timed Timeout Is More Effective In Wiping Out Memory Response to Fear Stimulus
Banishing a fear-inducing memory might be a matter of the right timing, according to new research.
More Anxiety Disorders Current Events and Anxiety Disorders News Articles
Anxiety and Its Disorders, Second Edition: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic

Anxiety and Its Disorders, Second Edition: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic
by David H. Barlow PhD (Author)

This landmark work is indispensable for anyone studying anxiety or seeking to deliver effective psychological and pharmacological treatments. Integrating insights from emotion theory, recent advances in cognitive science and neuroscience, and increasingly important findings from developmental psychology and learning, David H. Barlow comprehensively examines the phenomena of anxiety and panic, their origins, and the roles that each plays in normal and pathological functioning. Chapters coauthored by Barlow with other leading experts then outline what is currently known about the classification, presentation, etiology, assessment, and treatment of each of the DSM-IV anxiety disorders. A definitive resource for researchers and clinicians, this is also an ideal text for graduate-level...

Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective

Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective
by Aaron Beck (Author), Ph.D. Gary Emery (Author), Ruth Greenberg (Contributor)

The widely acclaimed "father of cognitive psychotherapy" adds a new introduction to the gold-standard book on anxiety disorders and phobias

At the forefront of the cognitive revolution, renowned psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck turned to information processing in order to understand the sources, consequences, and cures of anxiety disorders and phobias. In the first half of this classic text, Beck elaborates on the clinical picture of anxiety disorders and phobias and presents an explanatory model to account for the rich complexity of these phenomena. Cognitive psychologist Gary Emery then details the therapeutic principles, strategies, and tactics developed on the basis of the cognitive model of anxiety disorders and phobias.

This fifteenth anniversary edition of the foundational work...

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition
by Edmund J. Bourne (Author)

Since its first edition in 1990, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook has sold more than 600,000 copies. Its engaging exercises and worksheets have helped millions of readers make real progress in overcoming problems with anxiety and phobic disorders. The Authoritative Guide to Self-Help Resources in Mental Health (Norcross, et al., 2003) gave the book its highest rating and praised it as "a highly regarded and widely known resource." Thousands of mental health and medical professionals recommend this book to their clients and patients every year. Simply put, it is the single finest source of self-help information on its topic available anywhere.

The text of this fourth edition has been fully revised and expanded and includes two new chapters: a discussion of physical conditions that can...

Conquer Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with Charles Linden

Conquer Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with Charles Linden
Starring: Charles Linden
Directed By: Phil Walsh



Panic and Anxiety Disorder: 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More, Second Edition

Panic and Anxiety Disorder: 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More, Second Edition
by Linda Manassee Buell (Author)

This second edition of "Panic and Anxiety Disorder, 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More" features 40 more pages than the original. Some of them offer author Linda Manassee Buell's personal journal entries, in which she reflects on her years of suffering, learning and joy in her battle with panic disorder and agoraphobia. As one reads these stories, it becomes clear how this book's remarkably realistic approach and very practical tips came to be.

Adding even more value are new chapter introductions that will help the reader use the tips more effectively, along with brief yet helpful insights from mental health professionals. The resource area has also been expanded considerably. Written from a panic sufferer's own special perspective, this unique book offers heartfelt...

Anxiety Disorders: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health)

Anxiety Disorders: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health)
by Paul Caldwell MD CCFP (Author)

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States.

Afflicting 19.1 million American adults between the ages of 15 and 54 (or 13% of the population), anxiety disorders are so common today it is impossible to remain untouched by them, directly or indirectly.

While fear and anxiety can serve as tools for survival, uncontrolled they lead to serious health concerns. Despite these facts and the known risks, few feel the need to educate themselves about the various dangers caused by anxiety until a medical crisis forces them to take action.

Anxiety Disorders explains the medical conditions and jargon used by medical professionals to describe and treat the problems caused by anxiety. The book identifies the origins of, symptoms and treatments for: -...

Living Well with Anxiety: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know

Living Well with Anxiety: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know
by Carolyn Chambers Clark (Author)

A Comprehensive, Holistic Guide to the Conventional Medical and Self-Care Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

In a world that values excess, the pressure to succeed never ends. As a result of our fast-paced and high-stakes society, anxiety can take over our lives.

For approximately 20 million American adults a year, anxiety symptoms such as dizziness, stammering, heart palpitations, trembling, and shaking can be extremely debilitating. Unlike other books on anxiety, this book offers a holistic program that includes not only conventional psychiatric and psychological treatments, but also provides nutrition, fitness, environmental, herbal, stress reduction/healing, and relationship self-care approaches.

Living Well with Anxiety contains helpful advice for a...

Indigo Dreams: Adult Relaxation-Guided Meditation/Relaxation Techniques decrease anxiety, stress, anger

Indigo Dreams: Adult Relaxation-Guided Meditation/Relaxation Techniques decrease anxiety, stress, anger
by Lori Lite (Author)

Experience four research-based,stress management techniques that are accepted and used by both the traditional medical and holistic communities. You will not find any philosophies, theories or fluff presented here because frankly, we do not have time for that and chances are neither do you. Enjoy and learn four stress-management techniques; diaphragmatic breathing, affirmations, visualizations, and progressive muscular relaxation accompanied by soothing, uplifting music to further enhance your relaxation experience. Now you can watch your whole family manage stress and anxiety!
As a psycholgist working with many adult patients dealing with anxiety disorders, I value Indigo Dreams:Adult Relaxation. With repeated use, my patients report an overall decrese of anxiety levels and improved...

Native Remedies Triple Complex Nerve Tonic and MindSoothe ComboPack

Native Remedies Triple Complex Nerve Tonic and MindSoothe ComboPack
by Native Remedies

The ComboPack of Nerve Tonic and MindSoothe consists of multiple remedies that work well together to provide increased support for your condition. This ComboPack assists with balanced mood and with added nerve tonic. The Nerve Tonic supports a naturally balanced mood and a care-free and calm attitude while the MindSoothe is used when short term common feelings of 'the blues' are experienced in adults and provide maximum effectiveness when used together.

Sprudio Subliminal Cd: End Anxiety- Anxiety Disorder, Panic, Fear, Nervousness, Stop Panic Attacks Anti-anxiety Attacks Mind Program with Nlp, Brainwave Entrainment Technology

Sprudio Subliminal Cd: End Anxiety- Anxiety Disorder, Panic, Fear, Nervousness, Stop Panic Attacks Anti-anxiety Attacks Mind Program with Nlp, Brainwave Entrainment Technology
by Sprudio

CD with Nature Sound: The affirmations and suggestions are "buried" in the Ocean Waves Sound; all you hear is The Ocean Waves and the Nature Sound. Final Track Silent, can be used anywhere. There is not sound to be heard by conscious mind. About this CD Worrying does no good. Think positively and make your plan, then work your plan from outside of yourself. Dont let anxiety rule your life! Fight back with this subliminal CD. Play it every day: Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), brainwave generators and ultrasonic technologies were used to ensure your success! Silent track included.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com