Anxiety-related disorders are increasingly prevalent among adolescents, impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. The study titled "Anxiety related disorders in adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a population based cross-sectional study" provides valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their intervention strategies. This blog will summarize the key findings and suggest actionable steps for practitioners.
Key Findings
- The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents in the UAE is 28%, with a higher prevalence in girls (33.6%) compared to boys (17.2%).
- Adolescents younger than 16 years exhibited higher anxiety scores compared to older adolescents.
- Children cared for by non-parental caregivers, particularly maids, had significantly higher anxiety scores.
- Economic status and having a maid were also associated with higher anxiety scores.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
Given these findings, practitioners can adopt several strategies to improve outcomes for adolescents with anxiety:
- Targeted Interventions for Girls: Since girls are more likely to experience anxiety, targeted interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to their needs can be effective.
- Early Identification and Support: Younger adolescents should be closely monitored for signs of anxiety. Early identification can lead to timely interventions, potentially mitigating long-term impacts.
- Parental Involvement: Encouraging parental involvement in the child’s care can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Programs that educate parents on how to support their anxious children can be beneficial.
- Reducing Reliance on Non-Parental Caregivers: While it may not always be feasible to eliminate the use of maids, reducing their role in caregiving and increasing parental involvement can help lower anxiety levels.
- Socioeconomic Support: Providing resources and support to families from lower economic backgrounds can help address some of the anxiety-related issues.
Encouraging Further Research
This study highlights the need for more localized research to understand the unique factors contributing to adolescent anxiety in different regions. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate further research to explore additional variables and intervention strategies that could be effective in their specific contexts.
For more detailed insights, practitioners can access the original research paper: Anxiety related disorders in adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a population based cross-sectional study.
