Anxiety Disorders in Children

It is normal for children and adolescents to develop some fears and experience some fearful anticipation of problems (anxiety) during the course of their development. Over time, normal fears fade as children learn more about what to expect from their environment and relationships with others. When their fears do not fade and begin to interfere with the child or adolescent's daily life and activities, an anxiety disorder may be present, and parents should promptly seek the evaluation of their child or teen by a physician.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems that occur in children and adolescents. In a recent large-scale survey, 0.7 percent of youth ages 8 to 15 were found to have an anxiety disorder.

There are many different anxiety disorders that affect children and adolescents and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Phobias

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder