Children who suffer from anxiety disorders experience an overwhelming sense of worry that interferes with normal functioning. The anxiety may relate to particular events or activities in the child’s daily life, such as achievement in academics, sports, or social settings. This may lead to feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and the need for constant reassurance. The anxiety may also involve imagined scenarios and unlikely catastrophes. Children with these disorders display hyper-vigilance, fatigue, restlessness, or even panic attacks.
If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, treatment will often include any number of different interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, child-centered play therapy, recommendations for increased physical activity, and medication when warranted. Therapeutic interventions will also educate parents on effective strategies for supporting their child, as well as strategies for taking care of themselves as they face these challenges.