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- Anxiety protects children from danger and is appropriate at certain ages. It becomes a problem when it persists, is out of proportion and interferes with school, sleep, family life or development.
- Symptoms may be physical: stomach aches, headaches, nausea, palpitations, trembling, crying, anger or poor sleep.
- Avoidance brings brief relief but can make anxiety grow. Treatment involves practising safe situations step by step.
- Listen and acknowledge the fear without agreeing that a safe situation is actually dangerous.
- Assessment also looks at bullying, trauma, autism, learning difficulties, physical illness, substances and family stress.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure is an important treatment; parents are involved as appropriate.
- Medicines are not the first step for every child and are considered by an experienced prescriber for severe or persistent anxiety.
- Immediate help is needed for suicide risk, self-harm, psychosis, abuse or an immediately unsafe situation.
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