Patterns and predictors of comorbidity of DSM-IV anxiety disorders in a clinical sample of children and adolescents

This study examined the comorbidity of anxiety disorders and its predictors in a large, clinically referred sample of children and adolescents. Participants were 608 youth aged 4–18 years presenting at a large anxiety clinic for assessment and treatment of anxiety or mood related problems. The diagnoses were determined using the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule, Child/Parent versions. Sixty three percent of the participants had an additional diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder. Comorbidity patterns differed based on the principal diagnostic category. Older children and females with anxiety were more likely to have a comorbid anxiety disorder. The presence of a medical condition increased the odds of having a comorbid anxiety disorder as well. This is the largest clinical sample of children and adolescents in which comorbidity of emotional disorders has been examined. Understanding the common patterns of comorbidity has important implications for future classification and treatment planning of childhood anxiety disorders.

► We examined comorbidity of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
► 63% of the sample has a comorbid anxiety or mood disorder.
► Age and sex predicted the presence of comorbidity.