Research led by Cecilia Essau showed that anxiety disorders which develop during adolescence can significantly predict the development of anxiety, depression and substance use disorders during adulthood and are associated with impairment in various life domains, such as poor adjustment at work and poor family relationships. Her research also established the connection between low self-esteem, cognitive dysfunction, and poor lifestyle, and the risk of developing anxiety and depression. This research has underpinned the development and dissemination of Super Skills for Life, a manualised transdiagnostic mental health intervention for children and adolescents, that has led to significant mental health improvements for young people across the globe.
This study is part of our Applied Research and Assessment in Child and Adolescent Well-being research group.