Study Shows Increase in Childhood Anxiety, Yet Insufficient Access to Support Services

By Telita Seseka Montales , Parent Herald Jun 07, 11:21 am

Photo: (Photo : Anthony Tran on Unsplash)

A recent study has shed light on the rising rates of anxiety among children, teenagers, and young adults while highlighting the concerning lack of appropriate treatment. The study analyzed data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey spanning from 2006 to 2018 and focused on office-based physician visits to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorder diagnoses and the type of treatment provided. The patients examined ranged in age from 4 to 24 years old.

According to CNN, the findings revealed a significant increase in visits for anxiety, rising from 1.4% during the 2006-2009 period to 4.2% during the 2014-2018 period. However, the proportion of visits that included therapy as part of the treatment decreased over time, according to the study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Burden of Mental Health Care: Researchers Highlight Growing Challenges in Treating Childhood Anxiety

Alarmingly, the research indicates that patients are increasingly likely to receive medication as the sole treatment for their anxiety, with no accompanying therapy. This trend, observed in the later years of the data analyzed, is in line with the reports of mental health care providers who have noted the worsening state of anxiety among young people in the United States.

Dr. Laura Chavez, the lead study author from Nationwide Children's Hospital, emphasized that the burden of treating mental health conditions among young children is growing. She expressed concern that even when patients manage to navigate the healthcare system and attend physician visits, they may still not receive the necessary treatment.

According to CBS News, it is worth noting that the study has certain limitations. For instance, it primarily captures individuals seeking treatment, whereas many individuals with anxiety may never visit a doctor's office. Dr. Lata McGinn, a psychology professor at Yeshiva University, highlighted this gap, emphasizing that numerous individuals do not receive any form of support or treatment.

The most concerning aspect of the study's findings lies in the fact that therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for anxiety in most cases. However, the majority of young people examined in the study did not receive any form of therapy, despite cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) being a frontline defense against anxiety. In cases where medication is necessary, best practices recommend a combination of pharmaceutical and psychotherapy interventions.

Relying solely on medication for treatment could result in long-term dependence without equipping patients with the necessary tools to cope with anxiety on their own. This is particularly worrisome for young individuals who are still developing both biologically and socially.

Overcoming Treatment Barriers: Strategies for Families to Access Proper Mental Health Care

Dr. Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of On Our Sleeves, an initiative advocating for children's mental health, likened living with anxiety and depression to being in an ocean. While therapy teaches individuals to swim, sometimes they find themselves exhausted from navigating the currents and require floaties to provide temporary relief. Medication can serve as those floaties, reducing the intensity of symptoms, but it is essential to combine it with therapy to learn effective coping mechanisms and navigate life with anxiety.

To address the growing mental health challenges among young people, more effective treatment options, including therapy, must be made accessible. Dr. Chavez expressed hope that patients could have access to both medication and therapy, which would help prevent the observed shift towards medication-only treatment.

According to W-SIL News, while the larger problem of resource availability in mental health care persists, families can take certain steps to seek help. Recognizing anxiety in children early is crucial. McGinn advised parents not to enable avoidance behavior driven by anxiety but instead to support their children while gently challenging them to face their fears. Seeking professional evaluation from a mental health provider rather than dismissing chronically anxious behavior as shyness is essential.

It is also important to find providers who offer evidence-based therapy programs like CBT, even though pharmaceutical companies may have more significant marketing resources. Additionally, families can explore resources available through their child's school or workplace and reach out to organizations like onoursleeves.org for further assistance and information in the interim.

By proactively addressing childhood anxiety and ensuring access to appropriate support services, we can better equip young individuals with the tools to navigate their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.