An Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children

​Anxiety ranks among the most common health issues in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly 20 percent of Americans live with an anxiety disorder, including nearly 24 percent of females. While the Centers for Disease Control reports that 11 percent of US children between the ages of three and 17 experience diagnosed anxiety disorders, NIMH officials believe that as many as 32 percent of American adolescents may have an anxiety disorder.

The term "anxiety disorder" refers to a collection of mental health conditions characterized by feelings of fear, dread, and other emotions that do not align with a person's circumstances or settings. While both adults and children may experience anxiety and worry at different times, individuals living with anxiety disorders frequently experience episodes of anxiety that make it difficult to work, perform well at school, or engage in social situations. 

A few specific examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism. Individuals may also experience anxiety disorder symptoms in connection to specific phobias, such as agoraphobia, a condition that causes intense fear and panic when confronted with new settings, especially large, open places that feature crowds of people. Like many individuals dealing with anxiety, individuals living with agoraphobia often prefer to stay at home.

Certain symptoms of anxiety manifest in many people, while other symptoms are more common among young children, adolescents, and teenagers. Typical symptoms include feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and tension, an elevated heart rate, sweating, and physical sensations such as weakness and fatigue.

Some of the anxiety symptoms that affect children can resemble other health conditions. For example, children living with anxiety may find it difficult to concentrate, which may result in a misdiagnosis of attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Anxiety can also lead to nightmares and difficulty sleeping, a symptom associated with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. 

Additional anxiety symptoms that may surprise families range from eating more than usual to frequently needing to use the toilet. Other symptoms, meanwhile, may tip families off to a child's anxiety disorder. These symptoms include irritability and emotional outbursts, frequent crying episodes, and children clinging to adults whenever possible.

Medical professionals associate certain anxiety disorders with children, such as selective mutism. As the name suggests, selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that occurs when social situations cause children to feel so much fear or anxiety that they cannot speak. While mental health professionals usually see the disorder in young children, it can sometimes result in a lifelong diagnosis, following individuals into adulthood.

If left untreated, anxiety disorders can seriously impact a child's life and their opportunities for a successful, enjoyable adulthood. In addition to preventing children from excelling at school and developing important, potentially lifelong friendships, untreated anxiety can lead to physical health conditions, such as digestive issues and chronic migraines.

Fortunately, families have many options when it comes to providing their child with help for anxiety disorders. Individuals who suspect a child may be living with anxiety can start by scheduling an appointment with a physician to rule out underlying physical health conditions. If necessary, mental health service providers can develop a holistic treatment plan that includes counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and anxiety medications.

Robert Harden

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