Anxiety in children is more than normal stress. It occurs when fear and worry begin to disrupt their lives. It may manifest in various ways, such as physical symptoms, avoidance behaviors, or persistent nervousness. Many children can improve with professional treatment and strong support from parents and caregivers.
Overview
Anxiety affects about one in eight children, which makes it one of the most common psychiatric conditions in young people. It is normal for children to worry occasionally, but anxiety disorders go beyond typical fear — they affect their school, social life, and daily routines [*].
Research shows that children and adolescents experience anxiety disorders much like adults do, and these early experiences of anxiety can predict long-term mental health challenges [*].
Causes
Children may develop anxiety for many reasons. A naturally sensitive temperament, negative experiences such as bullying, losing a loved one, serious illness or injury, neglect, or exposure to stressful family situations can trigger anxiety.
Moreover, children sometimes absorb anxious patterns from those they interact with closely. For example, a child may begin to worry more if their parent, sibling, or peers frequently show fear or distress in everyday situations.
There is also a genetic component. Studies suggest that having parents with anxiety disorders or mood disorders (like depression) doubles a child’s risk compared to children whose relatives have no mental health problems [*].
Signs and Symptoms
Anxiety can look different in every child. Some children can talk about their worries, while others may not even realize what they are feeling.
This is why it’s important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention to emotional signs, physical signs, and behavioral signs. It’s also important to consider age-specific signs, because anxiety may show up differently in a preschooler, a school-age child, or an adolescent.
For example, a preschooler might show anxiety by being clingy, having tantrums, or having trouble sleeping. A school-age child might get stomachaches or headaches, avoid school, or worry too much about doing things perfectly. Teenagers may keep their worries inside, feel irritable, have negative thoughts, or stay away from friends.
Having an awareness of these variations is the first step in helping a child who may be struggling with anxiety.
Types
Children can experience many different types of anxiety, and each shows in unique ways.
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Separation Anxiety Disorder causes intense worry when a child is apart from their parents or caregivers. This can lead to reluctance to go to school, sleepovers, or other activities that involve separation, even for short periods.
- Social Anxiety Disorder involves fear or avoidance of social situations, like meeting new people or speaking in front of a group. Children with this disorder may feel very self-conscious, worry about being judged, or avoid social interactions altogether.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by ongoing, excessive worry about everyday activities, even when there is no obvious reason to be concerned. Children with GAD feel restless, have trouble concentrating, or seek constant reassurance from adults.
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Panic Disorder brings sudden, intense episodes of fear, sometimes with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. These panic attacks can happen unexpectedly and may lead children to avoid certain places or situations.
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Specific Phobias are strong fears focused on particular objects or situations, such as animals, heights, or medical procedures. These fears can be intense enough to interfere with daily activities, even though the child may understand the fear is unreasonable.
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Selective Mutism occurs when a child can speak comfortably in some settings but is unable to speak in others, such as at school. This condition often coexists with social anxiety and can affect learning and social development.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves repeated thoughts or urges (obsessions) that lead to ritualized behaviors (compulsions) to ease anxiety. While the behaviors may temporarily reduce worry, they can become time-consuming and interfere with daily life, school, or relationships.
Diagnosis
Anxiety in children is usually identified by a trained professional, such as a child psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor who knows about mental health. The process usually starts with questions about the child’s feelings, behaviors, and daily routines.
Parents notice signs first, like constant worry, stomachaches, or avoiding activities, and bring these concerns to the doctor.
The professional may use interviews, checklists, and observations to learn more about the child and make sure nothing else is causing the problems. This will help them give the right diagnosis and plan how to help the child feel better.
Treatment
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine anxiety screening for all children ages 8-18.
Beyond regular screenings, it is important to seek help when a child’s anxiety starts to interfere with school, friendships, or daily activities. Early recognition and support can prevent anxiety from becoming more severe.
There are several ways to help children manage anxiety. Treatment often depends on the child’s age, symptoms, and needs, and may include therapy, medication, or other supportive strategies — sometimes used together to achieve the best results.
Support
Children with anxiety benefit from support in every part of their lives, especially at home and at school.
At home, parents and caregivers can offer a stable environment, notice signs of worry, and teach coping strategies. At school, teachers can help by understanding the child’s needs and providing tools to manage anxiety.
Support can take many forms, but consistency is key to helping children manage anxiety effectively.
Outlook/Prognosis
The outlook for children with anxiety can vary depending on several factors.
In the short term, many children respond well to support and treatment. They show improvements in school, social situations, and daily life. Long-term outcomes can also be positive, especially when anxiety is recognized early and addressed with effective strategies.
Several factors influence how well a child does over time. Early intervention can make a big difference in preventing anxiety from becoming more severe. The type of anxiety disorder, the level of family support, and how well treatment works all play a role in a child’s progress.
Resources
Accessing reliable resources can give families the tools they need to understand and manage anxiety in children. Consider the following options for guidance and support:
