Chapter 5 - Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Young People: A Cross-cultural Perspective

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common disorders among young people in the general population. It is estimated that up to 20% of young people in Western countries meet the diagnosis of any anxiety disorders. The current chapter explores the role of cultural values in the development, assessment, and treatment of anxiety disorders in young people. The chapter begins by presenting the most common types of anxiety disorders according to the current classification system (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). It then discusses cross-cultural research in anxiety disorders and defines various aspects of cultures such as cultural dimensions (collectivistic and individualistic cultures), self-construals, and cultural syndromes (taijin kyofusho, hikikomori, and ataque de nervios). The chapter ends by discussing several recommendations for future research.