Anxiety in children and anxiety in teens are among the most common mental health concerns parents and caregivers encounter today. While worry is a normal part of growing up, persistent or intense fear that interferes with daily life can signal something more. Understanding the signs of anxiety in children, knowing what types of disorders typically emerge in youth, and recognizing when to seek support can empower families to intervene early and effectively.

Why Anxiety Looks Different in Kids and Teens

Anxiety in kids and adolescents often presents differently than in adults. Younger children may struggle to express what they’re feeling and instead show distress through physical symptoms or behaviors. Teens may withdraw socially, attempt to conceal or internalize symptoms or as expectations and pressures increase.

Many parents wonder whether what they’re seeing is typical development or a sign of something deeper. When anxiety becomes persistent, leads to physical complaints, or disrupts school, friendships, or family life, it’s important to take a closer look and consider professional evaluation.

Common Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens

Drawing from clinical expertise, several anxiety disorders commonly appear in youth. Understanding these patterns can help parents recognize when anxiety requires more specialized care.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

For many children, separation from caregivers is a normal developmental phase beginning around 6–7 months and peaking around 18 months. However, Separation Anxiety Disorder occurs when this fear persists into childhood or early adolescence and becomes developmentally inappropriate.

Youth may:

• Refuse or resist going to school or activities due to fear of being apart from a caregiver
• Report headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting
• Avoid situations that require time away from caregivers
• Struggle academically or socially because of persistent avoidance

These symptoms can significantly compromise social development and independence if left unaddressed.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worry that is difficult to control and affects functioning. While children naturally experience fears or scary dreams, GAD involves numerous, persistent worries not confined to a single situation.

Common themes include:

• Concerns about future events
• Fear of disappointing others
• Worry about peer acceptance or competency
• Being overly conscientious (“worry warts”)

Physical symptoms may include restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. GAD becomes more common with age and affects daily functioning at home and school.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear that peak rapidly along with physical symptoms. In adolescents, these episodes often include:

• Trembling
• Dizziness or faintness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Panic Disorder may occur with or without Agoraphobia, which is fear of being in places where escape or help might be difficult. This can lead to school avoidance and withdrawal from activities out of concern that another episode will occur.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder involves an intense fear of social situations where a child or teen may feel scrutinized or embarrassed. Common triggers include:

• Speaking in class or in public
• Attending social gatherings
• Interacting with authority figures
• Meeting new people

Exposure to these situations often triggers significant distress and physical symptoms that can resemble panic. Social anxiety can cause teens to avoid classes requiring presentations, drop out of activities, or retreat from peers. If untreated, it may increase risk for academic challenges and interpersonal struggles .

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Children and Teens

Parents and caregivers may notice:

• Frequent physical complaints without medical cause
• Avoidance of school or social events
• Trouble sleeping or persistent fatigue
• Excessive reassurance-seeking
• Irritability or emotional outbursts
• Declining grades or loss of interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating

When these symptoms last over time and interfere with routines, it’s important to explore specialized anxiety treatment for children and adolescents.

Effective Treatment for Anxiety in Kids and Teens

Early intervention is key. Evidence-based anxiety treatment often includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children reframe anxious thoughts
• Exposure-based interventions that build confidence gradually
• Family involvement, giving caregivers tools to support progress at home
• Medication, when appropriate, under the guidance of a mental health professional

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child or teen’s anxiety is persistent, impacts daily life, or causes distress for the family, it may be time to consult a mental health specialist. Professional guidance can help determine whether symptoms reflect typical stress or a diagnosable anxiety disorder.

 

Content reviewed by:

Tracy Cummings, MD, Staff Psychiatrist at Lindner Center of Hope

Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director for the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs