Most people, children as well as adults, experience occasional feelings of fear, worry and anxiousness; in a stressful situation, this is a normal response, but children anxiety disorder may be possible when a child experiences frequent and overwhelming anxiety which interferes with his or her ability to concentrate, make appropriate decisions, and function normally in school and with peers.  Children anxiety disorder can be to blame if a child is excessively nervous or restless, displays unreasonable fears, has difficulty concentrating or sleeping, or displays such physical symptoms as nausea, headache, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and sweating.  Children anxiety disorder can be the result of a recent stressor or trauma, such as moving, divorce, or the death of a loved one, but there may be no specific environmental stressor apparent in many cases.  Research suggests that there is a strong genetic component in children anxiety as well as in adults, and it may be “hardwired,” in a sense.  There is evidence that small abnormalities in certain parts of the brain are linked to anxiety and other mental health disorders, and anxiety and other mental health issues have a tendency to run in families.

What are the most common symptoms of children anxiety disorder? The most recognizable symptoms of anxiety disorder in children include unreasonable fears, irritability, excessive nervousness and restless behavior, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making friends, poor school performance, and physical symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure.

What causes children anxiety disorder? While it is not fully understood what the precise causes of anxiety are in adults as well as childre, there appears to be a genetic predisposition.  When a child is faced with an emotional or environmental trigger, such as a death in the family, or a move, the child may experience anxiety symptoms.

How is children anxiety disorder diagnosed? There are no laboratory tests for diagnosing anxiety.  Anxiety disorders are typically diagnosed by the doctor’s and parents’ observation of the symptoms, although certain lab tests may be ordered to rule out a medical issue that may cause similar types of symptoms.

What are the most common types of children anxiety disorder? Some of the most common types of childhood anxiety disorders include separation anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias (irrational and overwhelming fears), panic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.  These conditions usually affect children between the ages of 6 and 11.

How is anxiety disorder treated in children? Treatment of anxiety in both adults and children is more successful the sooner it is addressed.  The most common form of treatment for children anxiety is psychotherapy and positive reinforcement, although in more difficult cases, antidepressants may be prescribed for children with anxiety.