Summary:
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in children. Over 64,000 children in BC are affected. These disorders are characterized by excessive worry that interferes with healthy development and that causes distress and impairment at home, at school and in the community.

This report outlines the best currently available research evidence on preventing and treating anxiety disorders in children. Cognitive-behavioural programs can prevent anxiety disorders when they are used in school-aged children, in either universal or targeted formats. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is recommended for treating most anxiety disorders in children, while live graded exposure is recommended for treating specific phobias. Both prevention and treatment programs are needed.

Short Report (244 KB)

Full Report (226 KB)