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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research Article

Quality of life in anxious adolescents

Authors: Solfrid Raknes, Ståle Pallesen, Joseph A. Himle, Jon Fauskanger Bjaastad, Gro Janne Wergeland, Asle Hoffart, Kari Dyregrov, Åshild Tellefsen Håland, Bente Storm Mowatt Haugland

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To examine associations between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and anxiety symptoms across anxiety domains (obsessions/compulsions, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, separation anxiety, physical injury fears, generalised anxiety, and posttraumatic stress) in a general adolescent population. Expanded knowledge about these associations can provide valuable information for improving interventions and prevention strategies for adolescent anxiety.

Methods

Cross-sectional data about anxiety were collected via a school survey from a community sample of Norwegian adolescents aged 12–17 (N = 1719). Based on scores from the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS), each adolescent was categorized as reporting a low, medium, or high level of anxiety. Each adolescent’s HRQoL was then measured using the Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents Revised Version (KINDL-R). Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine any relationship between anxiety symptoms and HRQoL.

Results

Across domains of anxiety, anxiety symptoms were inversely associated with overall HRQoL. All HRQoL-dimensions were inversely associated with overall level of anxiety symptoms. In adolescents with medium and high anxiety symptoms, poor HRQoL was documented in all HRQoL dimensions with the exception of the family dimension.

Conclusions

The strong association between elevated levels of anxiety symptoms and poor HRQoL demonstrate the importance of improved mental health interventions and prevention initiatives targeting anxious adolescents.

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Title: Quality of life in anxious adolescents
Authors: Solfrid Raknes
Ståle Pallesen
Joseph A. Himle
Jon Fauskanger Bjaastad
Gro Janne Wergeland
Asle Hoffart
Kari Dyregrov
Åshild Tellefsen Håland
Bente Storm Mowatt Haugland
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-017-0173-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Quality of life in anxious adolescents

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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