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.

Monitoring the effects of COVID‐19 in emerging adults with pre‐existing mood and anxiety disorders

“…We sought to examine the utility of an electronic outreach strategy in A greater percentage of females participated than males, which is consistent with higher rates of help-seeking in females generally (Jagdeo et al, 2009), or at FEMAP in particular (Arcaro et al, 2017).…”

Process Evaluation of a Treatment Program for Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Emerging Adults: Preentry Factors, Engagement, and Outcomes

“…Seeking help from an emergency department is not desirable; patients are best served at lower cost in specialty ambulatory settings. Several factors could contribute to seeking care in an emergency department, including a lack of knowledge about available ambulatory services; delays in help seeking resulting from stigma or a lack of information (26,27); and restrictions in ambulatory services, including hours of operation, wait lists, and so forth. To reduce mental health care costs and use of the emergency department, efforts should be made to promote ambulatory services and their capacity for rapid response.…”

Emerging Adults’ Evaluation of Their Treatment in an Outpatient Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program

“…Participants recognized and reported their improvements in symptoms and functioning through the quality of their interpersonal relationships, academic performance, and enthusiasm about their education and career aspirations. Interestingly, concerns about functioning in these areas are among some of the common reasons young people first seek help for mental health problems (Arcaro, Summurhurst, Vingilis, Wammes, & Osuch, 2016; Rickwood, Telford, Parker, Tanti, & McGorry, 2014). Beyond symptoms and functioning, participants discussed additional outcomes including self-acceptance, acceptance of mental illness, and empowerment, which reflected the sustained and underlying personal change processes reported as a result of treatment.…”