Effects of the nuclear war threat on children and teenagers: implications for professionals.

Interview studies of youngsters are cited as evidence of their pervasive awareness of the possibility of nuclear cataclysm. It is suggested that the nuclear threat is a contributing factor in anxiety and other disorders noted among these youth. The role of mental health and other professionals in educating and guiding youngsters, and in working with them to reduce the anxiety and alleviate its causes, is outlined.