Signs of Anxiety in Children

Signs of anxiety in children may not be as obvious as with adults. Some symptoms are similar, but usually not as pronounced. It's important to address anxiety in children as soon as symptoms appear to prevent a full-blown anxiety disorder from developing later in life.

First Attack

• The first attack of anxiety for a child may occur any place. They could be at home, at school, at a friend's house or at the movies.

Physical Signs

• Common physical symptoms in children with anxiety are frequent stomachaches, headaches, nausea or insomnia. A child with anxiety may often complain of having butterflies in their stomach

Behavioral Signs

• Children with anxiety may resist going to school or get unusually upset at the thought of an upcoming test. They may have difficulty relating to peers or being involved in group or social activities. They may make excuses to get out of events other children would normally enjoy.

Emotional Signs

• A child with anxiety may exhibit emotional problems. They may cry more easily than usual or feel they are being picked on. They tend to feel insecure and sense they are being watched and judged.

General Anxiety

• Signs of general anxiety in children are exhibited by unrealistic and heightened fear in everyday situations where there isn't any basis for the fear. General anxiety is on-going and not necessarily specific to any given situation or place.

Phobias

• Signs of anxiety caused by phobias are different than generalized anxiety. A phobia is more specific to a situation or thing and an unrealistic fear. A child may have intense anxiety around water, due to a phobia relating to water. Seeing a spider may cause extreme physical and emotional symptoms, due to a phobia.