Supporting children with anxiety and depression – free workshop for parents, carers and teachers
Release Date 18 June 2015
Nearly 300 parents, carers and teachers learnt about the latest research into depression and anxiety in children and adolescents, at a special workshop at the University of Reading last week.
The event was hosted by the University's Anxiety and Depression in Young People research group (AnDY). Attendees heard about recent developments in the understanding and treatment of these common mental health disorders in young people. There was also a unique opportunity to quiz a panel of leading experts in the field, as well as to share views and experiences on what are becoming increasingly common problems in children and young people.
Approximately 20% of children suffering from significant symptoms of anxiety - between 5% and 10% of children meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Children with anxiety disorders may have difficulties with friendships, lack confidence in trying new things, and may underachieve at school.
Depression will affect around 15% of young people before they are 18 years old. Symptoms vary but low mood, lack of pleasure and irritability are common. Others include lethargy, tiredness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, aggression and a feeling that you cannot cope or want to live.
The organisers received extremely positive feedback from the event, with comments including:
- Parent and teacher: Fantastic information and resources
- Teacher: Learnt a lot about how to respond to anxious teenagers
- Parent: Fascinating and useful information
- Teacher: Interesting and informative, found out how to support/where to get help
Professor Cathy Creswell, from the AnDY research group, said: "Anxiety and depression are among the most common emotional problems experienced by children and young people. There are many simple things that we can do to help young people with emotional wellbeing. This event provided the perfect platform for parents, carers and school staff to enhance their understanding of mental health issues in children."
AnDY is based in the University's School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. It is a leading clinical research group that seeks to improve understanding of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, and to develop and improve treatments.
The University of Reading recently launched a new campaign to support novel research into a new treatment for teenage depression, and to highlight the lack of global research in this area. Visit the campaign webpage for more details.