A new study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics has found a significant increase in cases of reported anxiety in children aged 6 to 17. Researchers asked parents whether their child’s doctor has ever told them if their child has anxiety and/or depression. Researchers found that “Based on the parent report, lifetime diagnosis of anxiety or depression among children aged 6 to 17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011–2012. Current anxiety or depression increased from 4.7% in 2007 to 5.3% in 2011–2012; current anxiety increased significantly, whereas current depression did not change. ”
Several factors may be playing into the increase in anxiety among our nation’s youth, including the increased role that social media plays in our children’s lives, or pressures from a competitive school environment. One provider interviewed for the Washington Post article linked below stated “School is putting so much pressure on them with the competitiveness … I’ve seen eighth graders admitted as inpatients, saying they have to choose a career!”
Clink the links below to learn more about this study.
Read the Washington Post Article
Read the full Scientific Article