Key Takeaways

• Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents, often impacting school, social life, and daily functioning.
• Symptoms can vary widely and may resemble other conditions, leading to potential misdiagnosis without proper evaluation.
• Childhood anxiety can manifest through physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, including irritability and sleep issues.
• Untreated anxiety can lead to long-term consequences, such as academic challenges, social withdrawal, and physical health problems.
• Early intervention – including counseling, therapy, and medical support – helps children manage anxiety and improve long-term outcomes.

Dr. Robert Harden, a Texas-based psychiatrist, brings decades of experience to his work as a psychiatric consultant at Compassionate Psychiatric Services. Specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, Robert Harden, MD, provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and management for a wide range of mental health conditions, including neurodevelopmental and anxiety disorders.

His leadership experience includes serving as president of Plano Psychiatric, PA, and as a consulting psychiatrist for the Denton State Supported Living Center. Recognized with multiple honors, including the American Psychiatric Association’s Life Fellowship Award, Dr. Harden combines clinical expertise with compassion to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.

In this article, Dr. Robert Harden provides an overview of anxiety disorders in children, highlighting common symptoms, associated risks, and available treatment options for families.

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.

FAQs

What are the most common anxiety disorders in children?

Common anxiety disorders in children include generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, panic disorder, and phobia-related conditions such as agoraphobia.

How can families recognize signs of anxiety in children?

Children may show symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, irritability, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, frequent crying, clinginess, or physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches.

Can childhood anxiety be mistaken for other conditions?

Yes. Anxiety can mimic symptoms of ADHD, sleep disorders, or behavioral issues. A professional evaluation helps distinguish anxiety from other medical or developmental conditions.

What happens if a child’s anxiety disorder goes untreated?

Untreated anxiety may cause academic struggles, social isolation, emotional stress, and long-term physical issues. Early support reduces these risks and helps children build resilience.

What treatment options are available for children with anxiety?

Treatment may include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication when appropriate. A physician or mental health specialist can create a personalized care plan.

About Robert Harden

Dr. Robert Harden is a psychiatrist based in Texas and serves as a psychiatric consultant at Compassionate Psychiatric Services. With expertise in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, he provides evaluation and treatment for a range of mental health conditions.

A member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Harden has received multiple awards for clinical excellence. His professional focus includes anxiety, neurodevelopmental disorders, and integrative approaches to patient wellness.