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Abstract
This review summarizes findings on the epidemiology and etiology of anxiety disorders
among children and adolescents including separation anxiety disorder, specific phobia,
social phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, also
highlighting critical aspects of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. Childhood and
adolescence is the core risk phase for the development of anxiety symptoms and syndromes,
ranging from transient mild symptoms to full-blown anxiety disorders. This article
critically reviews epidemiological evidence covering prevalence, incidence, course,
and risk factors. The core challenge in this age span is the derivation of developmentally
more sensitive assessment methods. Identification of characteristics that could serve
as solid predictors for onset, course, and outcome will require prospective designs
that assess a wide range of putative vulnerability and risk factors. This type of
information is important for improved early recognition and differential diagnosis
as well as prevention and treatment in this age span.