Childhood Anxiety: Very Common But Underestimated
by Gordon P. Street, PhD of
Anxiety Solutions of Northern New England, PLLC
104 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond, ME 04071
As the school year begins, parents & teachers may want to watch out for signs &
symptoms of anxiety problems in their children. Anxiety disorders are the most common
psychiatric disorders (affecting 1 in every 4 Americans) and tend to start in childhood or
adolescence. When they do, the impact on child development – emotionally, socially, &
academically – can be profound, causing problems well into adulthood.
The severe shyness of social phobia, for example, (which affects as many as 1 in
9 children) can interfere with making friends, classroom participation, taking tests, or
doing anything that might “look stupid.” Adolescents with “generalized” social phobia
(GSP) have greater risk of drop out, alcohol & drug abuse, isolation, & depression. As
adults, they tend to make less money, have more relationship problems, and feel lonely &
unfulfilled.
The intense & persistent worrying of GAD also tends to begin early in life. So do
the intense fears of germs, mistakes, catastrophes, etc. of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Especially in boys who tend to develop OCD symptoms between ages 6 & 15. And panic
disorder often starts with adolescence.
The combination of anxiety & depression is particularly serious. One study found
patients with depression & panic disorder 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts
than patients with depression alone.
Although some signs & symptoms of anxiety disorders are fairly obvious & straightforward (recurrent panic attacks, intense fears, excessive hand washing or reassurance
seeking), others are more subtle, such as:

poor eye contact or speaking very softly;

refusing to go to school, to take out garbage, or to obey;

unexpected crying or tantrumming;

recurring stomach or head aches;

keeping a very neat room or very well organized schoolwork;

collecting or refusing to throw away worthless things; &
Childhood Anxiety
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
being moody, irritable, or depressed.
Anxiety disorders usually do NOT go away on their own but persist unless
appropriately treated. However, anxiety disorders are now remarkably treatable. One
form of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found
effective at substantially reducing symptoms for most anxiety sufferers. So have certain
medications (e.g., serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
So, if you suspect an anxiety disorder, have a professional (e.g., pediatrician,
psychologist) evaluate your child. If you’re looking for an anxiety specialist, you might
consider calling us at Anxiety Solutions (655-2737). An anxiety disorder, once
identified, need not derail a childhood.