Dear Colleagues,

Anxiety disorders are among one of the most prevalent mental conditions, accounting for up to 13% of disability worldwide. It is estimated that more than 260 million people are affected by anxiety. Untreated anxiety disorders tend to be chronic, and they are often risk factors for latter depression and substance abuse. They usually start early in life, especially phobias and separation anxiety, with the highest incidence risk between 6 and 17 years of age. Epidemiological studies show that, in general, anxiety disorders are more prevalent at younger ages than in older adults, although recent studies suggest that the presence of anxiety late in life might be associated with an increased risk for dementia. Additionally, anxiety disorders are more difficult to diagnose and treat in older adults and are typically related to psychiatric and medical comorbidities.

The presence of anxiety disorders has been consistently shown to be linked to increased personal and societal costs, frequent outpatient and emergency service visits, loss of labour productivity, unemployment and social impairment. They have also been associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk for disability and premature death. Early preventive programs delivered during childhood and adolescence appear as a potentially effective tool to reduce anxiety-related impairment and the risk of future mental health problems. Cognitive behavioural therapy is often one of the first-line treatments for certain anxiety disorders, whereas pharmacological treatment usually includes antidepressants as one of the first-line therapeutic options.

A considerable amount of literature addressing anxiety disorders has been published during the last few decades. Still, there are several questions that need to be addressed. This Special Issue is devoted to advancing the understanding of anxiety disorders from a lifetime perspective. This includes improvement of diagnosis and early detection of anxiety disorders, taking into account different periods of life and cultural factors, and categorical or dimensional approaches; determining which factors impact the trajectories of anxiety disorders (which includes prognosis of the disease, course and relapses) using a longitudinal perspective; and understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to vulnerability to anxiety disorders. Additionally, this Special Issue is intended to explore potential new therapies for anxiety disorders, considering preventive programs delivered early in life, and effective and lasting treatments, both psychological and biological, with special attention to new ways to deliver these interventions (e.g., computed-assisted, Internet-based and app treatments).

Dr. Beatriz Olaya
Guest Editor

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• anxiety disorders
• lifetime
• epidemiology
• treatment
• prevention
• risk factors
• comorbidity
• diagnosis
• Internet-based interventions