Put simply, the answer is yes.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in children with average prevalence rates of around 10% of children in primary school. It’s also alarming to think that almost 29% of children are likely to develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.
Sadly, the majority of children with anxiety disorders don’t receive appropriate intervention – up to 80% of children in need of mental health services just don’t receive it. That means many children presenting with anxiety suffer for years before getting help. Did you know the average delay between symptom onset and consultation with a mental health professional ranges from around 6 – 14 years?
“Childhood anxiety may fail to be recognised because many anxious children present as shy, cooperative or compliant within the school setting.”
The high prevalence and negative consequences of excessive anxiety highlight the need for effective prevention programs. Early anxiety preventative interventions have the potential to reduce rates of depression. How? Well, anxiety and depression frequently co-occur.
Stats have been obtained from published research articles contained in:
Anticich, S. A. J., Barrett, P. M., Silverman, W., Lacherez, P., & Gillies, R. (2013). The prevention of childhood anxiety and promotion of resilience among preschool-aged children: a universal school based trial. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, 6(2).
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