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Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

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Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Treatment

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Abstract

Anxiety is a normal emotional and behavioral response that occurs across development and serves an adaptive function. However, some individuals develop severe anxiety and fear that impairs daily functioning. This chapter discusses the nature of anxiety disorders, including causal and maintaining factors, and focuses on the components of treatment which are most supported by the evidence. In particular, this chapter highlights findings from the efforts to advance evidence-based practice (EBP) in psychology and empirically supported treatment (EST) research movements. Additional considerations are given to client variables which may impede treatment progress or affect the pace of treatment, such as level of functioning, comorbidity, low motivation, and developmental stage. Recommendations for treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are included.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Maysa M. Kaskas, Paige M. Ryan & Thompson E. Davis III

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  1. Maysa M. Kaskas
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  2. Paige M. Ryan
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  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

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Kaskas, M.M., Ryan, P.M., Davis, T.E. (2017). Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. In: Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Treatment . Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71210-9_13

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