Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. However, when anxieties become severe and begin to interfere with the daily activities of childhood, such as separating from parents, attending school and making friends, parents should consider seeking the evaluation and advice of a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Some anxious children are afraid to meet or talk to new people. Children with this difficulty may have few friends outside the family.
Anxious children are often overly tense or uptight.
Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as, loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated.