Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, fear and distress. It is normal to have these sensations on occasion.  What distinguishes occasional anxiety from anxiety disorders, however, is the frequency and severity of symptoms.  Young people with anxiety disorders are typically so afraid, worried, or uneasy that they cannot function normally. Anxiety disorders are one of the primary mental health problems affecting children and adolescents today.  As many as 1 in 10 young people are affected by anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders can be long-lasting and when severe can affect a child's thinking, decision making ability, perceptions of the environment, learning, and concentration.  Anxiety raises blood pressure and heart rate and can cause a multitude of other bodily complaints.

Although quite common, anxiety disorders are often overlooked or misjudged, despite the positive prognosis if identified early and treated appropriately.

Click here for Mental Health quick fact sheet on Anxiety in Children and Youth for educators

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