Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental health conditions, affecting approximately 30% of adults at some point in their lives and up to 32% of adolescents by age 18¹. These disorders are characterized by persistent and excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily functioning across social, academic, occupational, and familial domains. Despite their high prevalence, anxiety disorders are frequently underdiagnosed or undertreated, especially in pediatric and primary care settings, underscoring the importance of timely recognition and intervention.

The APA recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the first-line treatment across most anxiety disorders due to its strong evidence base in reducing symptom severity and improving functioning². For individuals with moderate to severe symptoms, or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient, pharmacologic options such as SSRIs or SNRIs may be introduced as part of a broader treatment plan. A multimodal approach for children and adolescents is currently supported, which includes psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family involvement, and medication when clinically indicated³. Continuous monitoring of treatment response, side effects, and comorbid conditions—such as depression, ADHD, or substance use—is essential to improving outcomes. Personalized care that accounts for developmental stage, symptom presentation, and patient preferences enhances treatment adherence and long-term recovery.