Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

Overview

Journal J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs

Publisher Wiley

Specialties Nursing
Pediatrics
Psychiatry

Date 2024 Dec 31

PMID 39739929

Authors

Thea L Anderson

Rasa Valiauga

Christian Tallo

Catriona Blythe Hong

Shaminy Manoranjithan

Catherine Domingo

Manasvi Paudel

Ana Untaroiu

Samantha Barr

Kate Goldhaber

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of anxiety among adolescents has seen a notable increase in recent years, becoming a significant public health concern. In fact, anxiety is substantially more prevalent in Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) than in any of the past three generations. We aimed to examine what factors contribute to the increased prevalence in teen anxiety and identify points of intervention.

Methods: This study employed a narrative review method. We performed a literature search of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline databases and identified original research and review articles discussing increased anxiety and other mental health disorders in Generation Z.

Results: We provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the increased rates of adolescent anxiety, including academic pressures, social media influence, family dynamics, and broader societal stressors.

Conclusions: In this narrative review, we examine the multifaceted nature of adolescent anxiety, identifying contributing factors. Additionally, we discuss potential clinical, educational, and community-based interventions to prevent and treat adolescent anxiety. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, it is possible to mitigate its impact and promote healthier developmental trajectories for young individuals.

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