Certain children with "anxious temperaments" are more likely to engage in teen substance abuse. Early detection and intervention of anxiety disorders among children may prevent later drug and alcohol use among adolescents and teenagers, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin.
"Children with anxious temperaments suffer from extreme shyness, persistent worry and increased bodily responses to stress," said Professor Ned Kalin, lead author.
"It has long been known that these children are at increased risk of developing anxiety, depression and associated substance abuse disorders," Kalin continued. "We believe that young children who have higher activity in (certain) brain regions are more likely to develop anxiety and depression as adolescents and adults, and are almost more likely to develop drug and alcohol problems in an attempt to treat their distress."
This study appears in the journal Nature.
Labels: substance use, anxiety, prevention
Posted By: Aspen Education Group