Panic Disorder involves feeling very afraid all of a sudden, for no apparent reason. Occurring more often in older children, panic attacks can happen several times a week, or even several times a day. This often causes fear of having another attack, because attacks can come without warning. Agoraphobia describes the fear of going places. Children or teens with agoraphobia may avoid leaving the home, because of a fear that they might feel unsafe or panicked, and would be unable to get help.
Agoraphobia is especially common in children with panic disorder.
Phobias are extreme fears of specific things or places, like dogs, flying, thunderstorms, heights, or getting a shot. Often phobias interfere with a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. Children with OCD can be trapped in a pattern of distressing thoughts about bad things happening, followed by repetitive actions or behaviors that are difficult to stop. These patterns can include repetitive washing, checking locks or switches, and turning things on and off. Children and teens with anxiety problems may also have depression.