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Anxiety Disorders in Childhood: Casting a Nomological Net

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Abstract

Empirical research highlights the need for improving the childhood anxiety disorder diagnostic classification system. In particular, inconsistencies in the stability estimates of childhood anxiety disorders and high rates of comorbidity call into the question the utility of the current DSM criteria. This paper makes a case for utilizing a nomological net4 model for advancing the understanding of childhood anxiety disorders. In this article, we discuss measurement and assessment issues related to improving the childhood anxiety disorder diagnostic system and show how these issues can be addressed by employing the nomological net of childhood anxiety. Because employing the nomological net involves drawing from etiological process theories to facilitate classification and assessment, an integrative model of childhood anxiety disorders is presented as a tentative heuristic. Then evidence for the existing symptom sets is discussed in the context of how process theory mechanisms may be utilized to improve classification and assessment. Testable hypotheses are presented. Measurement, disorder definition, treatment, and policy implications are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana

    Carl F. Weems

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

    Timothy R. Stickle

  3. Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70148

    Carl F. Weems

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A nomological net can be briefly defined as the theoretical structure of a construct.

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Weems, C.F., Stickle, T.R. Anxiety Disorders in Childhood: Casting a Nomological Net. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 8, 107–134 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-005-4751-2

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