pediatrics
Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Introduction
Anxiety disorders are characterized by fear, worry, or dread that greatly impairs the ability to function normally and that is disproportionate to the circumstances at hand. Anxiety may result in physical symptoms. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with behavioral therapy and medications, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). (See also Overview of Anxiety Disorders in adults.) Some anxiety is a normal aspect of development, as in the following: Most toddlers become fearful when separated from their mother, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Fears of the dark, monsters, bugs, and spiders are common in 3- to 4-year-olds. Shy children may initially react to new situations with fear or withdrawal. Fears of injury and death are more common among older children. Older children and adolescents often become anxious when giving a book report in front of their classmates. Such difficulties should not be viewed as evidence of a disorder. However, if manifestations of anxiety become so exaggerated that they greatly impair function or cause severe distress and/or avoidance, an anxiety disorder should be considered. Anxiety disorders emerge in about 3% of 6-year-olds and in about 5% of teenage boys and 10% of teenage girls ( General references ). Children with an anxiety disorder have an increased risk of depression ( Anxiety disorders that can occur in children and adolescents include Agoraphobia in Children and Adolescents None Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents None Panic Disorder in Children and Adolescents None Separation Anxiety Disorder None Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents None Specific Phobias None 