Anxiety disorders in children
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 about what to do next.
Your child may be referred to the localchild and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS), where the workers are trained to help young people with a wide range of problems. Professionals who work in CAMHS services include psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists. They should offer help and support to parents and carers as well as the child. Learn more about CAMHS .
Youth counselling services
If your child doesn't want to see a doctor, they may be able to get help from a local youth counselling service.
Youth counselling services are specially set up for young people to talk about whats worrying them, and get advice.
For more information, visit Youth Access , the largest provider of young people's advice and counselling services in the UK.
Telephone or online help
Telephone helplines or online services can be helpful for children and young people, who may feel it's easier to talk to someone who doesnt know them. See Where can I go for further information and support?
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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