Recognizing and Understanding Childhood Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders. Almost 6 million children are estimated to have an anxiety diagnosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC 2024).

Fortunately, families are able to recognize and help their child with anxiety through a range of options, including a three-step “move toward” approach.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or unease. People experiencing anxiety may sweat, feel restless or tense, and have a rapid heartbeat (MedlinePlus).

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Everyone from children to adults can feel it. It can even be useful, giving people a boost of energy or focus. Scientists believe anxiety evolved to help humans form group cohesion and to promote socialization (Mermelstein, 2022).

Anxiety is a common feeling for children. Big tests at school, changes to routines, or new environments, like a move or new school can cause feelings of anxiety. Children who’ve suffered a traumatic experience may also feel anxiety.

Feeling anxious at times can be a normal part of childhood.

But anxiety can be a disorder when it gets in the way of them having a healthy everyday life. If the anxiety is strong, gets worse, or does not go away, or if it stops your child from doing things they enjoy, then it’s a problem. Anxiety disorders can hurt children’s mental health, leading them to become withdrawn and avoiding things that may cause them to feel anxious (National Health Service, 2023).

What are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several different types of anxiety disorder. Some of the most common types include (NIMH, 2024):

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• And Social Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or GAD) involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. People with GAD may experience frequent anxiety for months or years (NIMH, 2024).

People with Panic Disorder may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These are suddenly feeling intense fear, discomfort, or loss of control. These can happen without any clear danger trigger. People can have panic attacks as frequently as several times a day, or only a few times a year (NIMH, 2024).

Social Anxiety Disorder is the feeling of constantly being watched and judged by others. Fear of social situations may be so intense, it can get in the way of going to school or doing everyday activities (NIMH, 2024).

What Triggers Anxiety

Anxiety can be triggered by any number of things. Going through stress or trauma when very young can lead to anxiety. Other triggers include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, losing a parent, being bullied or socially excluded, and experiencing racism (Mind,Causes of anxiety and panic attacks).

Stressful events can be another trigger. Something like school pressure, losing a loved one, housing or money problems can lead to anxiety. Even external factors like the environment or natural disasters can lead to feeling anxious (Mind, Causes of anxiety and panic attacks).

Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Teens

The first step in helping your child with anxiety is recognizing anxiety symptoms. That can be difficult with anxiety disorders, as most people experience some anxiety in regular life. And adolescence is a normal time to have anxiety symptoms. The duration, intensity, or interference with daily life can point to a problem.

Common symptoms can include:

• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Head, muscle, or stomachaches
• Trouble sleeping (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Normal anxiety and stress dissolve quickly – within hours or days. If these symptoms are intense, last for weeks or longer, or get in the way of your child’s ability to learn, do things they enjoy, or go to school or work, they may have anxiety disorder (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

Very young children may not be able to express their feelings. They may show anxiety by becoming irritable or clingy, having trouble sleeping, have bad dreams, wet the bed, or have stomach or headaches (National Health Service, 2022).

Older children and teenagers may show trouble concentrating. They might have problems eating or sleeping. Angry outbursts, negative thoughts, or avoiding everyday activities are other common symptoms.

Tools to Help Your Child With Their Anxiety

Most parents and families want to help their child, but struggle to offer support. That can make managing a child’s anxiety difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways you can help your child manage their anxiety.

One of the first steps is in acknowledging their fears and emotions – don’t dismiss or ignore it. Show your child you take their emotions seriously. Let them know you’re ready to listen.

The 333 rule is a useful technique for anxiety. When your child is experiencing anxiety have them:

• Look around and name three things they see.
• Identify three sounds they hear.
• Move or touch three things near them.

This technique can help a child manage their anxiety in the moment, but it’s not a substitute for treatment (Herndon, 2022).

Another method is the “Move Toward” approach. This concept treats anxiety with compassion, courage, connection, and love. With Move Toward, families approach anxiety head-on. This technique involves three steps.

• Notice: Recognize anxiety in your children as it’s happening. Reserve judgment.
• Notify: Focus on what your child’s anxiety is trying to notify them about.
• Need: Support your child and address their needs collaboratively.

Working Together to Work Through Anxiety

Professional help may be needed to help you and your child manage their anxiety. But working together, you and your child can take the first steps when you let them know you’re there, you love them, and you’re listening.