Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrevalenceSymptoms and DiagnosisCauses and Risk FactorsTreatmentCoping SkillsTips for Parents and CaregiversNext in Generalized Anxiety Disorder GuideGeneralized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms and DSM-5 Diagnosis
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Prevalence
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Causes and Risk Factors
Treatment
Coping Skills
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
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Brief separation anxiety and fears of the dark, strangers,loud noises, and storms are common, normal childhood experiences. However, consistent anxiety over a wide variety of settings, groups, and objects can indicate childhoodgeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD).
As a parent or caregiver, don’t let the possibility alarm you. A diagnosis puts you and your child one step closer to the resources available—and to an improved quality of life.
Verywell / JR Bee
Approximately 15% to 20% of youth in the general population have anxiety disorders.Amongchildren with ADHD, the rate is even higher.
As with adults who experience generalized anxiety disorder, girls are twice as likely as boys to be diagnosed with GAD. Because of this, experts recommend routine anxiety screening for girls (and women) over the age of 13.
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Generalized anxiety disorder in childhood involves excessive, unrealistic worry and fear about everyday things. The child often anticipates disaster or worst-case scenarios and experiences symptoms such as:
The effects of chronic stress are debilitating, affecting multiple areas of the child’s life. Just getting through the day can be a struggle.
A child may recognize their anxiety is exaggerated and still experience great difficulty controlling or managing it.
TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(5th edition), often referred to as theDSM-5, outlines specific criteria for a GAD diagnosis. The symptoms must be experienced for at least six months.
To make sure that your child is diagnosed and cared for effectively, consult a trained mental health provider to assess them. Some providers work specifically with children or those with anxiety disorders.
No single cause of generalized anxiety disorder in children or adults has been determined.
Children who have experienced challenging life situations or maltreatment may be at greater risk for developing GAD. These experiences can leave children feeling uncertain of people and their surroundings, unsafe, and out of control of their environment.
It is common for people of all ages who have been through experiences of challenge, loss, humiliation, or abandonment to feel anxious in future situations of uncertainty—children are no different.
Puberty brings additional stressors and self-consciousness that can add to anxiety.Frustrations and repeated difficulties with social relationships and academic performance can lead to increased anxiety around peers, as well as fears about letting down parents or teachers.
These feelings are normal. However, if they interfere with your child’s daily activities and don’t subside with time, there may be cause for concern.
Avariety of factorscan influence the development and onset of GAD, including genetic predisposition, family dynamics, life experiences, and neurobiological factors.
Every treatment plan for childhood generalized anxiety disorder is tailored to the individual. There are a variety of options.
Counseling Psychotherapy
Psychotherapeutic interventions are important in treating childhood generalized anxiety disorder. Counseling offers children a place to share their worries without fear of judgment, rejection, or feeling dismissed.A trained mental health clinician can help your child with:
As a caregiver, you and your family will likely be asked to participate in your child’s treatment. The counseling professional will use this time to help educate parents about childhood generalized anxiety disorder, suggest helpful techniques, and allow time for the family to process together some of the child’s anxious thoughts and feelings in an effective, healthy way.
Medication
For mild to moderate childhood GAD symptoms, medication may not be necessary. If they’re moderate to severe, however, your provider may suggestmedication.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for children and adolescents with anxiety. SSRIs include:
As with all medications, prescriptions used to treat anxiety have risks. Your child’s physician or psychiatrist will prescribe them if they believe the benefits outweigh those risks.
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Proven coping techniques can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms of childhood anxiety. Learning what works best for your child is key.
Explain that it’s time to explore some GAD management strategies. Help your child decide which ones to try, and encourage them to say what helps and what doesn’t. Here are a few to start with.
Slowing Down
Anxiety keeps us focused on the “what ifs” of the future and can rob us of the opportunity to live in the present. Slowing the process down with intentional and peaceful action can be helpful.
There are a variety of mindfulness exercises, prayers,meditations, progressive relaxation, andbreathing exercisesavailable that can help slow down your child’s anxious thoughts and emotional responses.
Social Connection
Volunteering in the community can be another wonderful way to help your child stay connected to others. Allow them to explore and identify something they feel passionate about and help them seek out related opportunities in the community to help.
Self-Care
Sleep routines, eating habits, and physical activity all contribute to your child’s well-being. Your child might struggle in a certain area like sleep or physical activity, especially if they experience restlessness, muscle tension, or fatigue due to their anxiety.
Helping your child create a self-care plan can improve their ability to cope with anxiety and learn to manage stress.
A first step in helping your child manage and overcome anxiety is recognizing it, but this can be difficult. Children struggling with GAD can sometimes be quiet, shy, and cautious. They may be very compliant and eager to please adults.
On the other hand, an anxious child may “act out” with tantrums, crying, avoidance, and disobedience. These behaviors may be misinterpreted asoppositionaland “difficult.”
As a caregiver, it is important to be aware of some of the ways severe anxiety can show up in children. With an increased understanding of generalized anxiety disorder, you will be better able to intervene early and find the necessary help.
Early intervention and treatment can make a world of difference for your child and can prevent further complications. If you have concerns or questions about possible symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in your child, talk with your pediatrician or mental health professional.
To help your child with generalized anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
To help your child with generalized anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beesdo K, Knappe S, Pine DS.Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental issues and implications for DSM-V.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):483-524. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.002Wehry AM, Beesdo-Baum K, Hennelly MM, Connolly SD, Strawn JR.Assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(7):52. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0591-zGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Bandelow B, Boerner J R, Kasper S, Linden M, Wittchen HU, Möller HJ.The diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(17):300–310. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0300Paus T, Keshavan M, Giedd JN.Why do many psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence?.Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(12):947–957. doi:10.1038/nrn2513Bushnell GA, Compton SN, Dusetzina SB, et al.Treating pediatric anxiety: Initial use of SSRIs and other antianxiety prescription medications.J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(1):16m11415. doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11415Cotton S, Kraemer KM, Sears RW, et al.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders at-risk for bipolar disorder: A psychoeducation waitlist controlled pilot trial.Early Interv Psychiatry. 2020 Apr;14(2):211-219. doi:10.1111/eip.12848Additional ReadingConnolly SD, Bernstein GA.Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;46(2):267-83. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000246070.23695.06Thomas E. Brown, PhD.Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press. 2005.Anxiety Disorders Association of America.Understanding Anxiety.
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beesdo K, Knappe S, Pine DS.Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental issues and implications for DSM-V.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):483-524. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.002Wehry AM, Beesdo-Baum K, Hennelly MM, Connolly SD, Strawn JR.Assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(7):52. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0591-zGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Bandelow B, Boerner J R, Kasper S, Linden M, Wittchen HU, Möller HJ.The diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(17):300–310. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0300Paus T, Keshavan M, Giedd JN.Why do many psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence?.Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(12):947–957. doi:10.1038/nrn2513Bushnell GA, Compton SN, Dusetzina SB, et al.Treating pediatric anxiety: Initial use of SSRIs and other antianxiety prescription medications.J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(1):16m11415. doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11415Cotton S, Kraemer KM, Sears RW, et al.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders at-risk for bipolar disorder: A psychoeducation waitlist controlled pilot trial.Early Interv Psychiatry. 2020 Apr;14(2):211-219. doi:10.1111/eip.12848Additional ReadingConnolly SD, Bernstein GA.Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;46(2):267-83. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000246070.23695.06Thomas E. Brown, PhD.Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press. 2005.Anxiety Disorders Association of America.Understanding Anxiety.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beesdo K, Knappe S, Pine DS.Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental issues and implications for DSM-V.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):483-524. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.002Wehry AM, Beesdo-Baum K, Hennelly MM, Connolly SD, Strawn JR.Assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(7):52. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0591-zGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Bandelow B, Boerner J R, Kasper S, Linden M, Wittchen HU, Möller HJ.The diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(17):300–310. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0300Paus T, Keshavan M, Giedd JN.Why do many psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence?.Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(12):947–957. doi:10.1038/nrn2513Bushnell GA, Compton SN, Dusetzina SB, et al.Treating pediatric anxiety: Initial use of SSRIs and other antianxiety prescription medications.J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(1):16m11415. doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11415Cotton S, Kraemer KM, Sears RW, et al.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders at-risk for bipolar disorder: A psychoeducation waitlist controlled pilot trial.Early Interv Psychiatry. 2020 Apr;14(2):211-219. doi:10.1111/eip.12848
Beesdo K, Knappe S, Pine DS.Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental issues and implications for DSM-V.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):483-524. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.002
Wehry AM, Beesdo-Baum K, Hennelly MM, Connolly SD, Strawn JR.Assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(7):52. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0591-z
Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580
Bandelow B, Boerner J R, Kasper S, Linden M, Wittchen HU, Möller HJ.The diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(17):300–310. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0300
Paus T, Keshavan M, Giedd JN.Why do many psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence?.Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(12):947–957. doi:10.1038/nrn2513
Bushnell GA, Compton SN, Dusetzina SB, et al.Treating pediatric anxiety: Initial use of SSRIs and other antianxiety prescription medications.J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(1):16m11415. doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11415
Cotton S, Kraemer KM, Sears RW, et al.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders at-risk for bipolar disorder: A psychoeducation waitlist controlled pilot trial.Early Interv Psychiatry. 2020 Apr;14(2):211-219. doi:10.1111/eip.12848
Connolly SD, Bernstein GA.Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;46(2):267-83. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000246070.23695.06Thomas E. Brown, PhD.Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press. 2005.Anxiety Disorders Association of America.Understanding Anxiety.
Connolly SD, Bernstein GA.Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;46(2):267-83. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000246070.23695.06
Thomas E. Brown, PhD.Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press. 2005.
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