Anxiety Disorders in Children | Bradley Hospital Search for Resources & Information Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that may cause anxiety—a state of distress, uneasiness, apprehension, or tension. Sub Header Although it is common for children to be fearful or worried from time to time as they grow up, a child may have an anxiety disorder if they have signs of extreme anxiety or fear that impacts their daily activities and relationships. Header Image Media Section Intro Text In children, anxiety can appear in a variety of forms other than classic “worrying.” Children can express anxiety through emotions like anger or sadness and behaviors like isolating themselves from others. Subtypes Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe. The different types of anxiety disorders in children include: Generalized Anxiety Disorder With this disorder, a child has a significant amount of worry and anxiety about a variety of situations. This anxiety is hard to control. Children with this disorder are often described as “worriers.” They have physical symptoms of anxiety, such as easily tired, sleep problems, muscle tension, upset stomach, acting “edgy,” and irritability. Their worrying interferes with their functioning in social and school settings or in other daily activities. Panic Disorder With this disorder, a child has repeated periods of intense fear or discomfort, along with other symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat or shortness of breath. These periods are called “panic attacks” and typically lasts 5-20 minutes and rarely up to an hour. Panic attacks often develop without a known cause or without warning and can interfere with your child’s relationships, schoolwork, and development. Separation Anxiety Disorder With this disorder, a child worries excessively about their primary caregiver. This can lead to not wanting to go to school or socialize outside of the home, having nightmares and worrying about losing their primary caregiver, being unable to sleep alone, and having significant physical symptoms when separated or anticipating separation from their primary caregiver. Separation anxiety is a normal part of infancy and early toddlerhood. If it returns after this development stage, however, it is considered a disorder. Social Phobia With this disorder, a child has a significant fear of social or performance situations, fearing that they will humiliate or embarrass themself. For children, this leads to anxiety around other kids, not just around adults. The anxiety or fear leads to problems with functioning in social and school settings or in other daily activities. Children with this disorder are often seen by others as “shy.” Specific Phobia With this disorder, a child excessively worries about a particular object or situation (for example, flying, spiders, or heights). In addition, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also considered anxiety disorders. Signs and Symptoms Typical signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders include: Intense fear (a sense that something terrible is happening or going to happen) Racing or pounding heartbeat Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath or a feeling of being unable to breathe Trembling or shaking Feelings of disconnection and confusion about reality Fear of dying, losing control, or losing his or her mind Get Help at Bradley Hospital Body Bradley Hospital clinicians are specially trained to perform evaluations for children and adolescents, and will direct each child to the most appropriate and effective services for their needs. Call our Access Center at 1-855-543-5465 to get help. Block CTA Evaluation and Diagnosis Body Anxiety disorders can lead to complications for your child if not recognized and treated appropriately. Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed anytime in childhood or adolescence. If you think your child has an anxiety disorder, your child may need a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation or psychotherapy evaluation. Block CTA Mental Health Evaluations Flexible Content Call to Action Block Treatment A psychotherapist or a child and adolescent psychiatrist can treat anxiety disorders. Several types of treatment are effective for anxiety disorders, including psychoeducation, psychotherapy (in particular, cognitive behavioral therapy), and anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications (in particular, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SRIs). If the anxiety disorder is affecting the child’s ability to learn, adjustments may need to be made in his or her education program. 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Presenters Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD Token Title Display The Power of "And": How to Use DBT in Everyday Life Registration Link Url Learn More and Register About This module provides a brief background on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and focuses on the concept of “dialectics.” In particular, the importance of using the word “and” and demonstrating how it... Presenters Rebecca Laptook, PhD Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD Token Title Display The Positive Use of Video Games and Media in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Registration Link Url Learn More and Register About Video games have been considered the new contemporary toys of the Twenty First Century. Horacio Hojman, MD has always been interested in using video games and media narratives as a pivotal step to... Presenters Horacio Hojman, MD Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD Podcast Episodes See all Podcasts Token Title Display Bridging the Gap: Supporting Pediatric Mental Health in Primary Care Description Ali Manning, MD discusses the importance of supporting pediatric primary care providers with caring for their patient's mental health needs. Hosts Guests Alison Manning, MD Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD Gregory K. Fritz, MD Token Title Display Top 10 Signs of Anxiety in Kids Description Dr. Mike Walther, an expert on pediatric anxiety, breaks down the top 10 signs and symptoms of anxiety in kids. Dr. Walther is a staff psychologist at Bradley Hospital's Pediatric Anxiety Research... Hosts Guests Michael R. Walther, PhD Anne S. Walters, PhD Gregory K. Fritz, MD Token Title Display When Words Hurt: A Practical Approach to Bullying Description Dr. Mitch Otu shares helpful and practical tips to approach bullying. Hosts Guests Mitch C. Otu, MD Anne S. Walters, PhD Gregory K. Fritz, MD Typical Co-Existing Diagnoses Related Conditions Content Token Title Display Depression Token Title Display Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Token Title Display Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) Token Title Display Body Dysmorphic Disorder Token Title Display Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Token Title Display Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Token Title Display Self-Injurious Behaviors Token Title Display Tic Disorders Token Title Display Learning Disorders Token Title Display Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) Resources Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents (2000) By Sue Spence, Vanessa Cobham, Ann Wignall and Ronald M. Rapee If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents (2006) By Edna B. Foa and Linda Wasmer Andrews Pediatric Anxiety Research Center 401-432-1469 reCAPTCHA