Anxiety in Children and Families

Many anxiety disorders originate in childhood. In fact, statistics show that thirteen percent of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety disorders in children include: excessive worry; decline in attention and concentration; sleep problems; irritability or agitation; seeking frequent reassurance; separation problems; avoidance specific fears; excessive shyness; persistent, repetitive anxious thoughts or rituals; panic attacks; and extreme fear in performance situations. Self-criticism, out-of-character behaviors, reluctance or refusal to attend school, perfectionism and physical complaints of headaches and stomachaches can also be signs of anxiety. Anxiety becomes a problem when it interferes with a child’s ability to learn, have fun, and make friends.

Anxiety can be overcome regardless of how it develops. Experts concur that highly effective cognitive- behavioral treatment should always be considered in the treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety. Furthermore, research shows that cognitive-behavioral treatment techniques can be highly effective in reducing anxiety in children, often without the need for medication.

The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center’s program includes individual treatment sessions as well as sessions with parents to encourage and support a child’s progress outside of treatment. A treatment plan is developed that uses a combination of relevant techniques, tailored to a child’s specific symptoms and unique needs. Cognitive-behavioral treatment is an active, experiential form of learning, and practice is an essential element. The therapist assumes the role of a “coach” who teaches the child how to recognize the signs of anxiety and new coping techniques to use in situations where he or she is having difficulty. The child practices these skills with the therapist and then utilizes them in real-life situations. The ultimate goal is for children to learn lifelong skills that they can use to help whenever the need arises. Our focus is on treating the “whole child,” so issues other than anxiety can also be addressed in treatment. Collaboration with schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other community providers is also utilized as needed, with parents’ permission.

In addition to treatment for the types of anxiety disorders listed above, behavior consultation is also available to help parents learn strategies to manage various challenges and is designed to address a wide range of behavioral and developmental concerns (not necessarily anxiety-related). Examples include: parent-child conflict; sleep problems; daycare difficulties; pervasive developmental disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome; noncompliant, hyperactive, and oppositional behavior; social difficulties; managing homework battles; and sibling rivalry. A preventative, developmentally based treatment model is applied.