Anxiety And Children

Overview

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease. In children, it is a natural reaction to stress, but when it happens often or is very strong, it can become a problem that affects their day-to-day life.

Yes. It is quite common — around 1 in 10 children in the UK experiences an anxiety problem at some point.

It can affect children of any age, from very young toddlers to teenagers. Some children are naturally more cautious, while others become anxious after stressful events.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling restless or keyed up
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Feeling tense or irritable

Symptoms in children

• Clinging to parents or carers
• Avoiding school, parties, or new situations
• Having tantrums or meltdowns
• Complaining of tummy aches, headaches, or feeling sick
• Needing lots of reassurance

Causes

Main causes

• Balancing of chemicals in the brain that affects mood
• Family history of anxiety or depression
• Temperament – some children are naturally more sensitive or cautious
• Stressful life events such as moving home, parents' divorce, or bullying

Risk factors

• Having a close family member with anxiety or another mental health condition
• Going through tough experiences like illness, loss, or abuse
• Pressure at school, or difficulties making friends
• Having a parent with high stress or mental health problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has sudden very severe anxiety with a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing (call emergency services)
• If your child says they want to hurt themselves or someone else

Book a routine appointment if:

• If anxiety lasts for more than a few weeks and stops them from enjoying everyday things
• If they are missing school often because of worry
• If they are experiencing panic attacks that worry them or you

Diagnosis

There is no single test for anxiety. A doctor or a children's mental health professional will talk with you and your child about the feelings, behaviour, and how it affects home and school life. They will also rule out physical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Questionnaires or checklists filled in by you, your child, and sometimes their teacher
• Listening to your child's heart and breathing, and checking blood pressure
• Urine or blood tests if a physical cause is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

You and your child are the experts on their feelings. The doctor will listen carefully, explain what they find, and suggest the most helpful next steps. If needed, they will refer you to a specialist mental health service for children.

Treatment

The best treatment for childhood anxiety is usually talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps children notice worried thoughts and learn practical ways to respond. In mild cases, support and information may be enough for the family.

Self-care at home

• Praise your child for being brave and facing something difficult
• Help them make a worry list and discuss each worry in a calm moment
• Teach them simple belly breathing – breathe in for 3, out for 3
• Keep a regular daily routine with clear times for meals, bed, and play
• Limit caffeinated drinks and screen time before bed

Medical treatments

For more severe or lasting anxiety, a doctor may discuss using medication, but only after talking therapy has been tried or alongside it. This is decided by a specialist and usually starts with a very low dose, with close monitoring. The medicine is not a quick fix and is used together with therapy and family support.

When is surgery considered?

Not applicable for anxiety in children.

Living with this condition

Support your child by listening without immediate problem-solving. Acknowledge that their worry feels real, then gently help them think about a calm next step. Keep weekends and evenings as predictable as possible.

Lifestyle tips

• Ensure they get enough sleep – most school-age children need 9–11 hours
• Encourage physical activity – a walk, bike ride, or sports club
• Create a relaxing pre-bed routine without screens
• Spend regular one-to-one time doing something they enjoy

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals and plenty of water helps overall wellbeing. Regular activity – even 20–30 minutes a day – can reduce stress and boost mood.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Anxiety can make children feel lonely and different. Let them know that many children feel the same and that their feelings are valid. Sharing with a trusted adult is an important first step.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent anxiety, but you can make it less likely by building a safe and supportive home, encouraging independence in steps, and modelling healthy ways to deal with stress.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents anxiety.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for anxiety in children, but during regular health visits, a doctor or school nurse may ask about moods and worries.

Complications

If left untreated

• Depression or low mood
• Poor school attendance and learning difficulties
• Difficulty making and keeping friends
• Ongoing anxiety in adolescence and adulthood

Long-term outlook

With the right support, most children learn to manage anxiety and live full, happy lives. Early help makes a big difference, and it is important to keep communicating with your child and their GP.

Find support

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