Anxiety in Children & Adolescents

What Anxiety Disorders Affect Children and Adolescents?

Anxiety Disorders are the most common psychiatric illness affecting children and adolescents.

Examples of anxiety disorders that affect children and adolescents include:

• Separation Anxiety
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

How Common are Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents?

It’s estimated that about 15-20% of children and adolescents meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. With that said, many believe that anxiety disorders are actually under-diagnosed, as many of the manifestations of anxiety in children can be misinterpreted as behavioral disturbances or conditions such as ADHD.

How are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed in Children and Adolescents?

The diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents is complex, and demands a thorough evaluation and history from an expert mental health professional. Diagnosis often involves collaboration and history between the patient, parent(s), child’s school and their pediatrician. Anxiety disorders in children do not present with the same signs and symptoms as they do in adults, and therefore, it is vital to work with a provider that will take the time to make the correct diagnosis.

What are Possible Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Children?

Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents may be associated with:

• Impairment in academic function and performance
• Impairment in social and family functioning
• Outbursts and behavioral difficulties at school and home
• Avoidance of school, social engagements, or other activities
• Diminished self-esteem
• Low mood
• Poor focus
• Subjective Anxiety and clear avoidance
• Others

*Anxiety Disorders may be misdiagnosed as ADHD or learning disorders, mood disorders, behavioral disorders, or other psychiatric illnesses. This is why it is extremely important to work with an experienced mental health provider, who will take the time to fully understand and evaluate your child’s condition.

What are the Goals in Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders?

Treatment for children and adolescents with an Anxiety Disorder should be tailored to the individual, their specific struggles and difficulties. Goals for Anxiety treatment may include:

• To reduce unnecessary and unhealthy anxiety
• To improve the child’s self-confidence
• To improve the child’s psychosocial functioning
• To improve a child’s academic performance
• To improve a child’s behavioral difficulties, including avoidance, if related to their anxiety disorder
• To help a child reach their full potential, and limit the effect that anxiety will have on the child’s short-term and long-term mental health

Why Treat a Child’s Anxiety Disorder?

Left untreated, anxiety disorders among children and adolescents tend to have a chronic course, persisting into adulthood. They can affect a child’s social, academic, and occupational future, and can also affect their relationships (current w/ family and peers, and with future relationships). This can have a toll on many aspects of a child’s mental health, including their self-confidence and sense of self-worth.

Anxiety Disorders are treatable medical conditions, and earlier treatment may reduce the risks of later anxiety disorders, struggles with depression, substance abuse difficulties and under-achievement.

What Types of Treatment are Available for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders?

Treatment for Anxiety and related disorders in Children and Adolescents should be tailored to the individual by an expert Psychiatrist and mental health provider. Your child’s treatment may include:

• Recommendations for Accommodations for school, including a 504 plan and/or IEP plan.
• Coordination of services and collaboration with the child’s pediatrician and school.
• Psychotherapy including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), coping strategies, relaxation techniques (yes! even for children), and others.
• Medication Management for your child’s Anxiety. When appropriate, medications may include SSRI’s, SNRI’s or others. These medications have the potential for side effects (some significant) and we recommend working with a provider who will take the time to discuss all of your treatment options, their risks and benefits.

Do you Offer both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for Children who struggle with Anxiety?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for Anxiety Disorders for children and adolescents.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for my Child’s Anxiety Evaluation and Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our Child Psychiatrists are Fellowship Trained, Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, who are expert clinicians in the evaluation and treatment of Anxiety Disorders in children and adolescents.

• Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Anxiety in children and adolescents
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Our general Child & Adolescent Psychiatry page can be found here