Anxiety disorders in children
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 they've inherited from their parents. Parents of anxious children may recognise the signs and remember feeling and behaving the same when they were younger.
Stressful environment
Children can pick up anxious behaviour from being around anxious people. If you're worried that your child might be influenced by our own behaviour, you might want to listen to these podcasts offering advice about anxiety and worry and explaining how you can take control of your anxiety .
Some children can also develop anxiety after a series of stressful events. They may be able to cope with one of these events, but several difficult events together may be too much for them to cope with. Examples are:
- Frequently moving house and school it can be hard to settle when you're always expecting change
- Divorce or separation of parents , especially when there are new step parents and siblings (although many children will adapt to this and settle in time)
- Parents fighting or arguing
- Death of a close relative or friend
- Becoming seriously ill or injured in an accident
- Having someone in the family who is ill or disabled
- School-related issues such as homework or exams, orbullying or friendship problems
- Becoming involved in crime
- Being abused or neglected
Medical conditions
Children with certain conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ) and autistic spectrum disorders may experience anxiety as part of the symptoms of their condition, because of differences in the way their brain functions.
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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