Frequency of anxiety disorders among of 8-12 years old children in families with single and multiple children in Gorgan, northern Iran (2017)

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. Some studies have identified the household dimension as an important factor in causing these disorders. However, no convincing results have been achieved. The aim of this study was done to determine the frequency of anxiety disorders among of 8-12 years old children in families with single and multiple children.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 732 children (343 boys and 389 girl) referred to Taleghani hospital (except than psychiatric clinic) and offices of pediatricians in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2017. Subjects were recruited using available sampling method. Demographic questionnaire and Spence Anxiety Scale (SCAS) were completed. Variables including separation anxiety, social anxiety, general anxiety, panic attack, agoraphobia, obsession and compulsion, fear of physical damage were evaluated.

In all anxiety subgroups except general anxiety, mean scores were significantly higher in children with multiple children than single children (P<0.05).

This study showed a high prevalence of anxiety disorders in multi-child families compared to single-child families.