Evaluating an Internet-based Program for Anxious Adolescents

Anxiety is a common mental health problem for Canadian adolescents. Anxiety that is diagnosed as a disorder and serious enough to require treatment affects up to 10% of all adolescents by the age of 16. The median age of onset is 11 years, making these disorders some of the earliest to develop. Anxiety disorders can have serious negative effects on a young person's personal relationships, school performance, and family life. These disorders may not be discovered by adolescents, parents and health care providers. Even if anxiety disorders are discovered, adolescents may not get the right therapy. Anxious adolescents can become sick if their anxiety is not treated properly. The investigators will carry out research to test Breathe, an Internet-based treatment for adolescents with anxiety problems. Adolescents can use this treatment from home via the computer. Breathe will include information materials and personalized homework assignments to help anxious adolescents learn ways to manage anxiety. More information can be found and www.TheBreatheStudy.com