ANXIOUS CHILDREN IN ADULTHOOD - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF ADJUSTMENT

Objective: To prospectively examine psychosocial functioning in young adulthood for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Method: This 8-year prospective study compared psychosocial functioning in yo ung adults (mean age 22 years) who had histories of early-onset anxiet y disorders, comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders, or no history of psychiatric illness (NPI). Follow-up interviews assessed subjects' residential, educational, occupational, and marital status; utilizatio n of mental health services; and psychological status. Results: Anxiou s subjects without histories of depression were less likely than NPI c ontrols to be living independently. Anxious-depressed subjects were le ss likely than controls to be working or in school; more likely than p urely anxious subjects to utilize mental health services; and more lik ely than both anxious and control subjects to report psychological pro blems, most frequently depression. Conclusions: Overall, results sugge st that children with anxiety disorders are relatively well adjusted i n young adulthood. However, a history of comorbid depression is progno stic of a more negative outcome.