What causes anxiety in children and how can you help?

One of the key causes of anxiety in children is stress, which can stem from various things, including school pressure, exams, or changes in family circumstances. Children may also experience anxiety due to a lack of routine or underlying medical conditions such as ADHD or OCD.

In this resource, we look at the causes of anxiety in children, the signs, and symptoms, and how you can help reduce and treat anxiety moving forward.

Table of contents

• What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
• What causes anxiety in children?
• What are the signs of anxiety in children?
• What are the different types of anxiety in children?
• How to support children with anxiety
• How anxiety in children is diagnosed
• When should you seek help for your child’s anxiety?
• Looking to get help for your child’s anxiety?

What is the difference between fear and anxiety?

There may be overlap in your child experiencing fear or anxiety, making it harder to know when it goes beyond natural and, often helpful, responses to danger. Fear is an emotional response to a real and imminent threat or perceived danger, while anxiety is anticipation of a threat that is not yet present. Fear exists to help us, triggering a fight-or-flight response to remove us from unsafe environments or situations. Anxiety is more often seen in vigilant, cautious, or avoidant behaviours in preparation for future danger that may or may not arise.

What causes anxiety in children?

Anxiety in children can arise from a range of factors. Many things can make children feel anxious at different ages. These worries may just stem from the normal worries associated with growing up, or they may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder that could benefit from professional help.

Younger children may experience separation anxiety or social anxiety, while older children may develop anxious feelings due to stress from academic pressures or social relationships.

Some children may be more prone to anxiety due to family history or underlying conditions such as ADHD, autism, or OCD. Identifying and understanding these causes is key to providing effective support and intervention.

What are the signs of anxiety in children?

Anxiety in children can affect their emotional well-being and physical health, often interfering with daily life.

Common signs include persistent (meaning lasting around four weeks or more) worry, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. These signs can vary in how strongly they present themselves and may lead to disrupted routines, sleep issues, or changes in behaviour.

Some symptoms of anxiety in children may include:

• Persistent worry or fear
• Restlessness or feeling nervous
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Tearfulness or clinginess
• Avoiding everyday activities
• Having bad dreams or waking during the night

To be considered an anxiety disorder, the fear or anxiety needs to be excessive, developmentally inappropriate (meaning occurring at a younger age than it would be expected), or out of proportion to external triggers.

What are the different types of anxiety in children?

Anxiety in children can show itself in many forms, each with unique characteristics. Understanding these types is essential to provide the right support and treatment.

Each type of anxiety requires the right support to help children manage their feelings.

Generalised anxiety disorder

Children with GAD often experience excessive worry about everyday matters, such as school performance or family issues.

They may find it challenging to relax and may also show physical symptoms like headaches or stomach-aches.

Social anxiety

Social anxiety involves an intense fear of social situations, such as speaking in class or attending social events.

Children may avoid activities involving peers or express fear of being judged or embarrassed.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is characterised by sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks.

These can include symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or feelings of losing control, often triggered without warning.

Other types

• Separation anxiety: A strong fear of being away from caregivers, leading to excessive attachment or distress during drop-offs at school or other activities.
• Phobias: Intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as dogs, heights, or the dark, often resulting in avoidance behaviour.

How to support children with anxiety

To effectively support children who are experiencing anxiety, it's vital for parents to understand the underlying causes and to work with their child to develop effective coping strategies, which may include:

Encouraging open communication

Ask your child to express their worries and fears and to open up to you about their thoughts and feelings.

Establishing a routine

A structured routine can help children feel more secure and in control, providing stability in their daily lives.

Engaging in physical activity

Physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety and boost self-esteem and confidence.

Seeking professional support

If your child's anxiety is causing significant distress or disruption to their life, it is important to seek the support of a mental health professional. This may include therapy, an assessment, or medication.

How anxiety in children is diagnosed

Anxiety in children can either be diagnosed privately or through the NHS.

NHS diagnosis

In the UK, the NHS provides free mental health support for children. If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, the first step is to speak to your GP. They will:

1. Ask about your child’s symptoms, behaviours, and how anxiety affects their daily life.
2. Review medical and family history to identify potential contributing factors.
3. Refer your child to a specialist, such as a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team, for a more detailed assessment.

Private diagnosis

Private assessments are available through Clinical Partners. The diagnosis process looks like this:

1. A comprehensive initial consultation to understand your child’s symptoms and triggers.
2. Use of standardised tools, such as anxiety scales, to confirm a diagnosis.
3. A personalised treatment plan, which may include therapy, coping strategies, and ongoing monitoring.

When should you seek help for your child’s anxiety?

It's important to remember that it's normal for children to get anxious. However, professional help should be considered if anxiety is persistent and lasts several weeks or more.

It should also be considered if it impairs daily functioning. This would look like it interfering with friendships, school attendance, or anything that may affect physical health such as sleep, stomach-aches, or headaches.

If you notice these signs, start by speaking with your GP or seeking advice from a private mental health professional.

Help your child get the support they need

While anxiety in children can be a challenging experience, seeking support can make all the difference. By working with your child and seeking professional help, you can help them develop the skills and coping strategies they need to manage their anxiety and lead a happy and fulfilling life.

Looking to get help for your child’s anxiety?

Take the first step toward helping your child with their anxiety and discussing assessment options.

Contact us now at 0203 326 9160.

As the UK’s largest private mental health partnership, we're dedicated to supporting children, adults, families, and organisations nationwide. Let's start your journey towards clarity and support today.