Anxiety disorders in children

Abstract AR

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders among children 7-12 years old by purposive sampling of all lecturers (mothers and fathers) who had this group of child’s age at second part of Mosul University.

The study enrolled that out of 149 children are assessed, 49 had anxiety disorders making a point prevalence of (32.9%) with a female to male ratio of (1.2:1).

In age group 7-8 years the highest prevalent disorders are separation anxiety disorders and specific phobia.

While at the age group 9-10 years PTSD shows a highest fraction.

At the age group 11-12 years the most common disorders is generalized anxiety disorder.

The present study revealed that anxiety disorders are significantly influenced by multiple factors from those were; age of the child; parents who had any psychological and organic diseases; stressful life events; negative temperament; any disease in a child him\herself; education of a father and family history of psychiatric illnesses.

Whereas education of mother, family types, socioeconomic status, crowding index, unemployed fathers, and working mothers played no significant role in modifying the occurrence of anxiety disorders.

The investigator recommends that over anxious child needs special attitude from teachers to avoid the consequences of school refusal and its sequel.