Paediatric healthcare providers can support children and youth with anxiety disorders

OTTAWA – Mental health is as important as physical health, but children and youth often wait too long for diagnosis and treatment. One recent survey observed that over 28,000 children and adolescents were on waitlists for mental health services in Ontario alone – with some waiting for over 2.5 years, and emerging data suggests that the prevalence of anxiety has risen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since paediatric health care providers are often the first point of contact for youth mental health problems, the Canadian Paediatric Society has released two new guidance documents outlining best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders – the most common mental health conditions affecting children and youth. The CPS hopes these resources, paired with an up-to-date collection of free screening tools, will help health care providers meet the increasing demand for mental health services.

“Anxiety disorders are often a source of distress for families, but they are treatable,” said Dr. Susan Bobbitt, a developmental paediatrician in Saskatoon and the lead author of the CPS practice guidelines on the treatment of anxiety disorders. “Paediatricians have an important role to play in early diagnosis and intervention, and parents should feel comfortable bringing up mental health concerns with their child’s primary care provider.”

There is an accompanying information sheet to help caregivers differentiate between typical worries and anxiety disorders that also includes recommendations on how to support an anxious child.

Families should contact their child’s health care provider if:

• their fears are interfering with their daily activities such as school attendance, sports or making friends.
• they often seem very anxious.
• they often have physical symptoms of anxiety like headaches, stomach aches or excessive fatigue.

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For interviews or more information please contact:

media@cps.ca
Gen Brouillette
Media Relations Specialist
Canadian Paediatric Society

About the Canadian Paediatric Society

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national advocacy association that promotes the health needs of children and youth. Founded in 1922, the CPS represents more than 3,300 paediatricians, paediatric subspecialists and other child health professionals across Canada.