Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the most common experiences of children, adolescents and adults alike. All of us experience anxiety at some time, whether it be about real or imagined situations. At low to moderate levels, anxiety can be helpful as it creates a level of arousal, increases, alertness to danger and motivates us to take appropriate steps to be safe and/or successful.

Typically, the expression of anxiety follows a developmental pattern. That is, it is exhibited differently as children grow. It is most often first seen at about 7-9 months, when infants show stranger anxiety. Toddlers may experience separation anxiety when parents and caregivers leave for a short time. This separation anxiety most typically lessens by age 2. As children enter school age years, until approximately age 8, children tend to become anxious about specific events such as animals, the dark, monsters, etc. For children older than 8 and adolescents, anxiety becomes linked to more abstract situations and topics such as worry about grades, peer reactions, or having friends. Adolescents may also worry about moral issues or how they compare to others.

The primary characteristic of anxiety is worry. As previously indicated, anxiety is a normal experience and can be beneficial at low to moderate levels. However, high levels of anxiety can also have a negative affect on personal, social and academic functioning. Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety is a pattern causing persistent problems in day to day functioning and quality of life. Anxiety disorders occur in approximately 3-20% of children and adolescents. Feeling anxious in a certain situation is not the same as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety becomes a problem when it prevents children from enjoying normal life experiences. When anxiety begins to have an impact on school, friendships, or family, then parents or other adults may need to step in to help the child. If you have concerns about your child having an anxiety disorder contact your pediatrician, outside mental health provider or school counseling staff member.