• There are many types of anxiety, but these 3 listed are the most prominent and seen in children and adolescents.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• The child exhibits anxiety and worrying for months and displays other anxiety symptoms (below).

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Panic Disorder

• The child has many unexpected panic attacks associated with anxiety (read below under symptoms for information on panic attacks.)

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Social Anxiety Disorder

• The child presents with an intense fear of social situations where they feel embarrassed and could be judged.

Genetic

• It is seen that if a family member has an anxiety disorder, there is an increased risk of the child obtaining a form of an anxiety disorder.

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Environmental

• It is shown that children and adolescents that grow up in a stressful or unstable environment can develop an anxiety disorder.

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Other disorders

• Commonly, children who have another mental illness (ex.adhd) can have an anxiety disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Restlessness

• Feelings of fatigue constantly

• Trouble sleeping

• Trouble controlling (due to anxiousness)

Panic Disorder

• Panic attacks are commonly classified with:

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Lightheadedness

  • High heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Shaking

• In addition, the individual will worry about when and where they will have their next panic attack, and will often avoid places of previous panic attacks

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Dear of...

  • Eating in front of other people

  • Speaking in public

  • Working in front of people

  • Talking on the phone

  • Being asked questions

  • Interaction in groups

• Feelings of comfort when isolated

Medication

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Therapy

• Psychotherapy

  • This form of therapy helps children and adolescents to learn how to think and react in a different way during situations that bring about anxiety.

• Support groups

  • These can be very helpful for others to share situations when anxiety was present in their lives and have each other create solutions or ways to cope with the worry they experience.

• Being supportive and approachable is the most important quality of a parent who has a child with an anxiety disorder. This is because the child experiences worry, as the parent, being positive and approachable is very important.

• Remember everyone can have moments of anxiety and fear, but if you have a concern regarding consistent anxiety, speaking up and getting your child help could be the difference.

• This website does not intend to substitute the use of a certified professional and/or diagnose mental illnesses. If you have any concerns related to ones that are highlighted on this website, please talk to your primary care doctor or another medical professional.

• Source: NIMH (National Institue of Mental Health)