Many youngsters will experience fear or anxiety during their youth. An editorial in the December, 2008 New England Journal of Medicine states that anxiety disorders are found in 20% of children in the United States! Many of these are not treated, and a lack of treatment in youth can lead to substance abuse, low performance in school, and even depression.

After all, it's a big, scary world out there, and there is a lot to be afraid of! Starting school, meeting new people, taking tests, sports, peer pressure - all these things can lead to nervousness and anxiety. In most cases, these fears do not turn irrational or develop into an anxiety disorder. But, there are some children that may show signs of anxiety for these and other reasons.

As much as we would like to protect the innocence of children and prevent anything from interfering with their lives, it is not always possible. Children can be afflicted with some of the same types of anxiety disorders that adults can suffer from. General anxiety might be seen in children in a variety of ways. They might be anxious about everyday dealings like school quizzes, or concerns at home. Children with anxiety:

- have trouble sleeping
- need a lot of reassurance
- have concerns about things before they happen
- lack self confidence

Some of the common anxieties children have include:

- separation anxiety
- phobias such as fear of the dark, dogs
- Social anxieties like fear of meeting new people

The children of anxious parents are prone to anxiety themselves. Programs that are designed to prevent anxiety disorders in children of parents with anxiety have been developed. One program, consisting of eight weekly family sessions was quite effective, utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Scientists have found that children with one or both parents diagnosed with anxiety disorder may be more likely to develop an anxiety disorder also, and that as much as 65 percent of children who live with at least one anxious parent may have an anxiety disorder themselves.

Early treatment in children helps prevent a host of difficulties, including making new friends, acceptable performance in school (both academics and extra-curricular), depression, substance abuse, and generalized feelings of low self esteem.

Parents take notice of your children's anxiety and fears. If it seems to keep them from participating in life, avoiding situations, or just not doing well, you may want him to be evaluated by a qualified counselor.

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with or consult with in the future.
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