What is Child Anxiety?
Anxiety problems are characterized by worry, fearfulness, and often avoidance of certain situations. Children with anxiety problems can also appear fidgety or complain of stomach problems or illnesses. They may ask a lot of “what if” or “will this happen” type questions.
Anxiety is the most common childhood mental health problem; approximately 10-20% of children and adolescents are affected by persistent and excessive worry. However, some experts have suggested that anxiety disorders in children are undertreated. One explanation for this is that children may only report physical symptoms such as stomach and headaches, rather than describe feelings of “worry” or “fear.”
Untreated, children with anxiety disorders can experience impaired social relationships and school functioning, and disrupted family functioning. Therefore, early identification and treatment is imperative.
Treating Child Anxiety:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents is typically a short-term treatment (i.e., often between 6-20 sessions) that focuses on teaching young people and their parents specific skills. CBT focuses on how a person’s thoughts (i.e. cognitions), emotions, and behaviors are connected and how they affect one another. For example, if a child sees a mouse and thinks “its going to get me!,” the emotion that follows is likely fear and the action might include screaming or running away. On the other hand, if the same child thought instead, “a mouse–how cute!,” different emotions and behaviors will likely follow. Because emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all linked, CBT approaches allow for therapists to intervene at different points in the cycle.
Medication
Medication can also be helpful if the anxiety is severe enough that it interferes with your child’s daily activities. Additional information about treating anxiety with medication can be found at The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/psychiatric_medication_for_children_and_adolescents_part_ihow_medications_are_used
A recent randomized controlled study examined the effects of sertraline (an antidepressant, trade name Zoloft), cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a combination of the two treatments on separation anxiety, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Researchers found that 80.7% of the children in the combination treatment group were rated at very much improved or improved at the conclusion of the study. Nearly 60% of the children in the cognitive-behavioral therapy only group and 55% of the sertraline only group were rated as very much or much improved. All treatment groups were superior to placebo groups.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy was associated with less fatigue, insomnia, sedation, and restlessness than sertraline.
Additional Resources Related to Child Anxiety:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents
National Institute of Mental Health
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
