Comparison study of family functioning of adolescents with anxiety disorders

Abstract

Objective To explore family functioning and related factors in anxiety disorder(AD)adoles cents.Methods 84 adolescent patients with AD and 124 controls without mental disorder matched by gender,age,and residential township were assessed with Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale(FACES-Ⅱ),Family Assessment Device.Chinese version(FAD-CV)and demographic questionnaires.Results There were statistical differences between case and control groups in family economic conditions(P<0.05).There was lower family cohesion in AD group(64.82±9.63)than that in the control group(69.72±8.91);the scores of communication,emotional involvement and behavioral control were higher in AD group((2.34±0.45),(2.52±0.44),(2.46±0.32))than that in controls((2.12±0.34),(2.36±0.42),(2.24±0.24)),all P<0.05.Logistic regression analysis showed that better family economic condition(OR=0.784;95%CI:1.459-3.396)and higher cohesion of family(OR=0.969;95%CI:0.942～0.998)were protective factors for AD,while over-strict behavioral control (OR=2.181;95%CI:0.993～2.441)was a risk factor for AD.Conclusion There are different family functioning characters between AD and controls,and the intimacy relationship and suitable behavior control in family may improve the mental health of adolescents. Key words: Adolescents; Anxiety disorder; Family functioning; Comparison study