A Seattle Children’s Publication | Fall 2021
Anxiety Disorders Are Common and Treatable Anxiety is a normal emotion. However, for some kids, it’s a too-big, too-frequent feeling that affects their overall happiness — and sometimes, even their ability to function. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders among children and teens. The symptoms vary from child to child. One common symptom is fear centered around parents or caregivers, such as being away from them, or fearing they’ll die. Kids may fear being embarrassed or making mistakes in social situations. They may worry a lot about everyday events like tests or sports contests, or huge events like global warming. Sometimes, they fixate on dirt or germs, or develop a specific phobia. These are just some of many possible symptoms. We feel anxiety in our bodies in the form of headaches, stomachaches, racing heart,
dizziness, and quick breathing. When they happen frequently, these feelings can interfere with our lives and disrupt our sleep and appetite — and may even be mistaken as symptoms of a physical illness. Understandably, excess anxiety can lead a child to avoid situations like school, social
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events, and activities they once enjoyed. If untreated, this can cause them to become withdrawn and depressed. There is no single cause of anxiety disorders. Some children seem to have an anxious nature from birth. Often, kids with anxiety disorders have parents or other family members who also have excess anxiety. In any case, it’s nobody’s fault. Sometimes, in trying to help their child cope, parents and caregivers unknowingly model fearful behavior that can amp up their child’s symptoms rather than ease them. So, if you suspect your child has an anxiety disorder, seek expert help right away. Research shows that the treatment that helps the most is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on exposures or facing one’s fears. Ideally, caregivers are active participants in this treatment; for young children, the medical expert may work just with the parents. Your child’s doctor may be able to help you find resources or providers that specialize in this treatment. And in addition to CBT, there are many free resources available online or via apps to help get you started. Let your child know that together, you’ll do whatever’s needed to overcome this challenge. Anxiety disorders are not lifetime disorders — this problem is changeable. With some help, anxiety won’t be calling the shots in their life anymore! to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/pe1492.pdf.
