Anxiety in Children & Teens

All children experience some fear and anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately about age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy children may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other people with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or a fear of strangers.

Anxious children often appear to be tense. Some may want a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. Parents should pay attention to their child's fears. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant, and eager to please, their problems with anxiety and fears may be missed. Early identification of anxiety problems in children can help them overcome the problems rather than have worsening problems as they age.

There are quite a few different types of anxiety in children.

Symptoms of separation anxiety include:

  • Constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers

  • Refusing to go to school or separate from their parents/caregivers

  • Frequent stomachaches and other physical complaints especially on Sunday nights and Monday mornings

  • Extreme worries about sleeping away from home

  • Being overly clingy

  • Panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents

  • Trouble sleeping or nightmares

Symptoms of phobia include:

  • Extreme fear about a specific thing or situation (ex. dogs, insects, or needles)

  • Fears causing significant distress and interfering with usual activities

Symptoms of selective mutism include:

  • Able to speak at home, but won’t speak at school or with friends

  • Seems excessively shy

Symptoms of social anxiety include:

  • Fears of meeting or talking to people

  • Avoidance of social situations

  • Few friends outside the family

Other symptoms of anxious children include:

  • Many worries about things before they happen; “what ifs”

  • Constant worries or concerns about family, school, friends, or activities

  • Repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions)

  • Fears of embarrassment or making mistakes

  • Low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry