title: Presenting concerns of emerging adults seeking treatment at an early intervention outpatient mood and anxiety program.
abstract: This study examined presenting concerns and characteristics of emerging adults (EAs) seeking treatment at an early intervention program for mood and anxiety disorders to better understand presenting concerns when treatment is needed. During an intake assessment conducted by a social worker or clinical psychologist, participants (N = 548; 62% female, 38% male) reported their top three current life concerns, which were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires assessing demographic information, symptomatology, and daily functioning. Females presented with significantly higher levels of anxiety, and both females and younger individuals (age 16-18) presented with significantly higher levels of depression compared to males and older individuals (age 19-26), respectively. The two most commonly reported presenting concerns were problems in interpersonal relationships and academics, and females were more likely to report academic concerns than males. The majority of participants reported seeking help for a wide range of problems commonly faced by EAs (83.7%), and participants rarely expressed concerns about particular symptoms of mood and/or anxiety disorders (16.3%). EAs and those supporting EAs may benefit from learning when psychosocial concerns are indicative of mental health challenges warranting professional attention.
authors: a Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, and London Health Sciences Centre , London , Canada.
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: Arcaro
authors: a Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, and London Health Sciences Centre , London , Canada.
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: Summerhurst
authors: b Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario , London , Canada.
authors: Evelyn
authors: E
authors: Vingilis
authors: a Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, and London Health Sciences Centre , London , Canada.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Wammes
authors: a Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, and London Health Sciences Centre , London , Canada.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Osuch
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009864:Ontario; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012737:Sex Factors; D060305:Transition to Adult Care; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Mental health; anxiety disorders; early intervention; emerging adult; help seeking; mood disorders; presenting concerns