Childhood Anxiety Symptoms

Just like adults, children can develop anxiety disorders. Often, anxiety disorders can be triggered by a stressful situation such as losing a parent or even moving. However, anxiety disorders may develop without an external cause. Younger children may have separation anxiety or phobias while older children are more likely to have generalized anxiety or social anxiety. Learn to recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in children.

Excessive Worrying

• Children with GAD tend to worry excessively about things such as grades, sports performance, family problems and health problems.

Insomnia

• Those suffering from GAD may have difficulty sleeping. They may stay awake worrying.

Tiredness

• A child may be tired as the result of both worry and insomnia.

Irritability

• Children with GAD may be very irritable and easily agitated.

Concentration Difficulties

• Children might have problems with paying attention because they are overwhelmed with worry about other things.