Anxiety Disorders (Child)
Stress and anxiety are part of life. It's normal for children to have a few worries. But some children and teens have a lot of fear, worry, or panic. They can't control their anxiety. This causes great distress. Extreme fear reactions from a feeling of loss of control are called panic attacks. Often there is no obvious cause of a panic attack. These behaviors could be an anxiety disorder.
Your child may have an anxiety disorder if the behaviors:
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Do not fit their age (like a 12-year-old child who cries when left at school).
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Continue even with support and reassurance.
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Cause such distress to your child that they can't do daily activities.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern that starts in childhood. Their exact cause is not known. The development of anxiety disorders seems to occur due to biological, psychological, and social or environmental factors.
An anxiety disorder may cause both physical and emotional reactions. Some of these include:
Anxiety disorders often occur with other mental health problems. They may include:
Anxiety disorders are treated with counseling. It's sometimes treated with medicine or a combination of counseling and medicine. A child with an anxiety disorder will likely have ongoing symptoms if it's not treated.
Home care
Medicine
Once a diagnosis is made, the child's healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to treat anxiety. Follow the provider's instructions for giving this medicine to your child. Don't change the dose or stop the medicine unless the provider tells you to.
General care
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Use the home care suggestions advised by your child's mental health team.
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Don’t ignore your child’s fears. Encourage your child to talk about their concerns. Be supportive. Don't yell at them to stop worrying. This does not help. It can make things worse.
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Work with your child's school team. Make plans if your child's anxiety causes problems in school.
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Encourage your child to ask for help when they feel overwhelmed.
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Teach your child to breathe slowly and deeply when they feel anxiety.
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Promote exercise and fun activities. Practice healthy behaviors that can help distract your child in an episode of extreme anxiety. An example is playing relaxing music.
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Note your child’s behavior in different situations. There may be a pattern of things in the child's environment that leads to severe anxiety. Write down what you notice. This can help the provider identify the best treatment for your child.
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Note your own behavior leading up to the time your child has behaviors that are related to anxiety. Your state of mind and behavior may give clues to your child's behavior. Again, alert your child's counselor to your observations. Be calm and reassuring with your child.
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Schedule individual and family counseling as advised.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as advised. Keep all appointments with your medical and mental health providers. Ongoing assessments will allow the adjustment of treatment plans to meet your child's growth and developmental changes.
Call or text 988
Call or text 988 if your child:
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Is suicidal, has a clear suicide plan, and has the means to carry out the plan. Don't leave your child alone. Call or text 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255) right away. You will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . An online chat choice is also available. This service is free and available 24/7.
Call 911
Call 911 for medical emergencies if your child:
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Has trouble breathing.
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Is very confused, agitated, or irritable.
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Is very drowsy or has trouble waking up.
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Faints.
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Has a fast heart rate.
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Has a seizure.
When to get medical care
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Your child has anxiety, fear, or panic that doesn't stop.
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Your child has trouble doing daily tasks.
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Your child has trouble falling or staying asleep.
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Your child makes threats of suicide or self-harm without a plan or means to carry out an attempt. Take all suicide comments seriously and get help right away. Call 988 (see above) for guidance if your healthcare provider is not available.
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Your child's current behaviors get worse, or a new behavior causes concern.
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New concerns are expressed about your child's behavior from close friends, family, or teachers.