Anxiety disorders in children
How can an anxiety disorder be treated?
The type of treatment offered will depend on what is causing your child's anxiety.
Counselling
It can be helpful for your child to talk in confidenceabout what is worrying them to a trained person, especially as it's someone they don't know.
If your childis being seen at CAMHS, they might see a child and adolescent psychotherapist or a clinical psychologist. If they are at a youth counselling service, it will be a trained youth counsellor or psychotherapist.
These sessionscan help them work out what is making them anxious and how they canwork through the situation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help your child manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.
It has been proven to help with anxiety that isn't severe, and is commonly offered to young people who are anxious.
Your child will work with the therapist to find ways to change the way they think and find strategies for copingin situations that make them anxious. They'll usually have 9-20 sessions.
It's not clear whether CBT is effective for children younger than six years of age.
Learn more about CBT .
Medication
If your child's anxiety problem has not got better, your doctor may talk to you about trying medication.
A type of antidepressant, called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may help your child feel calmer and differently about things.
Antidepressants usually take around two to four weeks to work properly, so you or your child may not notice the difference immediately.
It's natural to be concerned about side effects. Your child should be aware of any possible adverse effects and should tell you or their doctor if they happen. First, it's important to talk to your child about their anxiety or worries. Read our advice on How to help your anxious child .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on anxiety disorders in children and teenagers, with links to other useful resources
What are the signs of anxiety in children?
Anxiety can make a child feelscared, panicky, embarrassed or ashamed. Some of the signs to look out for in your child are: finding it hard to concentrate not sleeping, or waking in the night with
What types of anxiety do children and teenagers experience?
Common types of anxiety in children and teenagers are described below. A fear or phobia about something specific Children are commonly afraid of things like monsters, dogs or water. This is a perfec
When is anxiety a disorder that needs treating?
It is probably time to get professional help for your child's anxiety if: you feel it is not getting better or is getting worse , and efforts to tackle it yourself have not worked you think it's
How serious can it be?
Long-term anxiety canseverely interfere with a child's personal development, family life andschooling. Anxiety disorders that start in childhood often persist into the teenage years and early adultho
Where should I go for help?
Seeing your GP You can talk to your GP on your own or with your child, or your child might be able to have an appointment without you. The doctor should listen to your concerns and offer some advice
How can an anxiety disorder be treated?
The type of treatment offered will depend on what is causing your child's anxiety. Counselling It can be helpful for your child to talk in confidenceabout what is worrying them to a trained person,
Why are some children affected and others not?
Genes and personality Some children are simply born more nervous and anxious and less able to cope with stress than other children. Achild's anxious personality may be partly determined by the genes
How common are anxiety disorders in children?
Nearly 300,000 young people in Britain have an anxiety disorder. In the UK, anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 5-19% of all children and adolescents, and about 2-5% of children younger than 12
Where can I go for further information and support?
Anxiety UK Young Minds Royal College of Psychiatrists: mental health and growing up
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