Anxiety related disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric problems that affect children and unfortunately many of these children do not receive the help that they need. According to research by the National Institute of Health, prevalence rates of childhood anxiety disorders are greater than 10% and are predictive of anxiety disorders in adulthood. In addition, childhood anxiety is associated with other psychiatric and behavioral problems, including depression and substance abuse in adolescence. Early childhood anxiety symptoms may often be ignored compared to children with other psychiatric problems because some of their worries may often be confused with developmentally appropriate fears that most children “grow out of.”
Similar to adults, significant anxiety problems may manifest in various ways. For instance, children with generalized anxiety disorder experience worries that they cannot control even when there is no triggering event, which interferes with their daily lives. Children with social phobia constantly fear that they will be humiliated and try to avoid social situations. When children experience significant distress and are unwilling to separate from parents, they are most likely experiencing separation anxiety disorder. Other anxiety related disorders that affect children include specific phobia, selective mutism, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
A full evaluation by a professional may be required to appropriately differentiate between symptoms of childhood anxiety. Specifically, an evaluation will identify key differences in symptom presentation, including related life stressors, duration of symptoms, and treatment needs. Therapy focused on cognitive and behavioral interventions could help children develop skills to manage their symptoms and ultimately improve their social and academic functioning. It is important not to let these children go unnoticed, as childhood anxiety that goes untreated could lead to future difficulties coping with stressful situations throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Children with Anxiety can get help from Dr. Elsa M. Orlandini and her experienced psychologists and therapists of Miami Psychology Group. If you are a parent of a child who has anxiety problems and needs help, please contact Dr. Elsa M. Orlandini and the licensed psychologists and therapists of Miami Psychology Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are common anxiety disorders that affect children?
- Common anxiety disorders in children include generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, specific phobia, selective mutism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These conditions may manifest in various ways and can significantly impact a child's daily life.
- Why is it important to address childhood anxiety early?
- Addressing childhood anxiety early is crucial because it can lead to other psychiatric and behavioral problems, such as depression and substance abuse in adolescence. Early intervention can help prevent these issues and improve a child's social and academic functioning.
- How can therapy help children with anxiety?
- Therapy, especially cognitive and behavioral interventions, can help children manage anxiety by developing skills to control their symptoms. This can lead to improved social interactions and academic performance, aiding in overall life quality.
- What role do professional evaluations play in treating childhood anxiety?
- Professional evaluations are important in differentiating between various symptoms of childhood anxiety. They help identify the specific type of anxiety disorder, assess life stressors, symptom duration, and determine the appropriate treatment needs for effective management.
- Who can provide assistance for children with anxiety in Miami?
- Children in Miami experiencing anxiety can receive help from Dr. Elsa M. Orlandini and her team of experienced psychologists and therapists at the Miami Psychology Group. They offer comprehensive evaluations and therapeutic interventions.
Sources
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents ... (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)Childhood and adolescence is the core risk phase for the development of anxiety symptoms and syndromes, ranging from transient mild symptoms to full-blown ...
- Donna Pincus, Ph.D. | Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders (bu.edu)Dr. Pincus is the Director of the Child and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.
- Podcast: Managing Anxiety - How to Help Children Name, Claim ... (consciousdiscipline.com)Real Talk for Real Teachers with Dr. Becky Bailey and special guest Jill Molli. Episode Summary. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the ...
- Duloxetine (oral route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)Sep 1, 2025 ... ... children to treat anxiety in children 7 years of age and older. ... Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For treatment ...