Anxiety disorders in children

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 bad dreams
not eating properly
quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts
constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often
always crying
being clingy all the time (when other children are ok)
complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell

Your child may not be old enough to recognise why they're feeling this way.

Thereason for the anxiety (if there is one) will differ depending on the age of the child. Separation anxiety is common in younger children, whereas older children and teenagers tend to worry moreabout school performance,relationships or health.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for anxiety disorders in children

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