Abstract

VIANNA, Renata Barbosa; CAMPOS, Angela Alfano  and  LANDEIRA-FERNANDEZ, Jesus. Historical, diagnosis and epidemiology of anxiety in youth. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2010, vol.6, n.2, pp. 37-57. ISSN 1808-5687.

Anxiety disorders in youth are recognized as pathological entities with relevant prevalence in recent epidemiological studies. Anxiety disorders and its clinical manifestations may impair the individual's quality of life. When present since youth, it increases the possibility of progressive severity during life. This study presents a critical review of the literature on separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder in childhood and adolescence -focusing on the following aspects: history, diagnostic criteria, clinical expression and epidemiology. An updated and historically contextualized comprehension of these disorders points out to the possibility of a continuum of anxiety symptoms from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. The correct recognition and proper care and treatment are fundamental directions for health professionals.

Keywords : pediatricanxiety disorders; diagnosis; epidemiology.

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